Child, 10, viciously mauled by XL Bully ‘aggressively ragging its head side to side and biting its neck’

A child aged 10 years old has been viciously mauled by an XL Bully in Doncaster.

The dog attacked the 10-year-old, aggressively ragging its head side to side and biting its neck, causing serious laceration injuries.

The bleeding was controlled and the injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The incident took place on Belvedere in Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, earlier this morning, with police officers rushing to the scene at around 10.15am.

It is reported that the child was in the garden of a neighbouring property where the XL Bully was housed.

A woman, aged 37 was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed of dog, allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and child neglect.

Two teenagers aged 13 and 15 were also arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and possession of a banned breed of dog.

They have since been released from police custody.

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The dog was seized and remains in police kennels.

Chief Inspector Emma Cheney said: “This incident could have had a tragic ending and led to a fatality.

“We continue to urge people to stop thinking ‘it won’t happen to me’.

“Owners need to step up and be responsible, understand your dog, their behaviour and keep everyone safe.”

South Yorkshire Police has also given advice over looking after dogs saying simple steps can be the difference between “life and death”.

The force states: “As we now approach school holidays, your child may be spending more time at home or in the homes of friends and family.

“Taking simple steps to allow dogs to have their own space can be the difference between life and death. More information about safety in the home can found on the BlueCross website.

“You are more likely to be harmed by a dog you know than within the community, but as communal areas become busier with families, please remember to: walk your dog on a lead in public areas, stick to designated footpaths and routes in rural areas, supervise your dog at all times and remember not everyone likes dogs.

“If you are concerned about a dog in your community please get in touch. Your information will help us to ensure anyone in danger is safeguarded appropriately. You can get in touch online, via live chat or by calling 101.”