Eight-month-old baby girl airlifted to hospital after being attacked by 'XL bully'

Two people have been arrested following an incident where a baby girl was attacked by a dog, thought to be an XL bully. Kent Police were called to Siskin Close in Hawkinge, near Folkestone, at 2.23pm on Wednesday after receiving reports that the eight-month-old had been bitten by a dog, suspected to be of the banned breed.

The infant was taken by air ambulance to a London hospital and is said to be in a serious condition, according to the authorities. The dog was seized and euthanised, and an 18 year old man along with a 76 year old woman have been arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control.

They are currently being held as investigations proceed. A Kent Police spokesperson stated: "Officers will remain in the area while inquiries are carried out and to provide reassurance to the local community."

Since February 1 this year, it has been illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales without a special exemption certificate.

Owners of such dogs are required to have them neutered, microchipped, and to keep them muzzled and leashed in public spaces, among other restrictions.

This legislative change came after a spate of attacks involving the breed.

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