Woman suffers potentially life-changing injuries in suspected XL bully attack

A woman has suffered potentially life-changing injuries in a suspected XL bully attack in Bristol, police said.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said it was called at about 4.15pm on Thursday after a woman was bitten by a dog at a home in Sutton Avenue.

Officers used protective shields to ensure their own safety while entering the address.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was taken to hospital by ambulance with potentially life-changing injuries, the force added.

The dog is believed to be an XL bully, but the breed has not been confirmed and it is not yet known if the animal belonged to the victim.

The force said officers remain at the scene, where the dog has been secured pending the arrival of specialist dog handlers.

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XL bully dogs are a controversial breed which have carried out fatal attacks in the UK.

Owning an XL bully without a valid exemption certificate has been illegal in England and Wales since new legislation came into force on 1 February 2024.