COPS have issued an urgent warning as an XL Bully is running loose in a UK city after being shot at by officers.
Residents in Walkley, South Yorks., have been urged to stay “vigilant” as the search continues.
The animal escaped as police responded to reports of a gun being fired at a property in Daniel Hill Street in Hillfoot at about 10pm yesterday.
South Yorkshire Police said: “Upon their entry to the property, an XL Bully became aggressive.
“Officers fired a shot towards the dog and it fled the scene.”
The force do not know whether the dog had been injured.
Shortly after receiving calls from the Hillfoot property, cops were sent to a crash in an area nearby involving a car and motorbike.
Officers uncovered a gun that had been fired and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A 39-year-old woman was also detained for possessing a firearm.
The motorcyclist, a 36-year-old man, was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
All three remain in custody and the force believe the incidents are linked.
Ch Supt Jamie Henderson, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “I would like to assure you that we are doing all we can to locate the dog or find those who may have housed it to evade police contact.
“We appreciate people in our communities being vigilant, and I ask that you get in touch immediately if you see the dog.
“I urge you not to approach the dog, as we believe it has the ability to show aggression and cause harm.”
The UK government website states it’s a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.
This ban came in on 1 February 2024 and was due to a significant rise in reported attacks with multiple fatalities over the past few years.
It’s also an offence to sell an XL Bully dog, abandon one, give the dog away, breed XL Bully’s or take the dog out in public without a lead or a muzzle.
Those who own an XL Bully without an exemption can face a criminal record and their pet may be taken and destroyed.
NHS consultant Richard Baker told the BBC the breed is particularly dangerous due to its jaw strength.
XL Bullys can cause more damage than other dogs including broken bones, torn skin and nerve damage.
He said: “It’s a crushing or a tearing injury. Once they grip, they don’t let go.”
The dog ran away from a property on Daniel Hill Street in Hillfoot
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
