Police outside a property on Siskin Close in Hawkinge, near Folkestone, where an eight-month-old baby girl was airlifted to a London hospital after she was attacked by a dog, believed to be an XL bully(Image: PA)

Police issue major update after baby girl attacked by XL Bully

by · NottinghamshireLive

A baby girl is in a serious condition after being attacked by a dog, believed to be an XL bully, on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Siskin Close in Hawkinge, near Folkestone, Kent, and two individuals have been bailed following their arrest in connection with the event, according to police.

Kent Police were alerted to the situation at 2.23pm after reports came in that the eight-month-old girl had been bitten by a dog, suspected to be of a banned breed. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene and the infant was airlifted to a London hospital.

On Friday, police confirmed that the baby girl remains in hospital in a serious condition. The dog involved in the incident was seized and euthanised.

An 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, who were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, were bailed on Friday, the force confirmed. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, Kent Police said.

A spokesperson previously stated: "Kent Police was called at 2.23pm on Wednesday to a report that an infant had been bitten by a dog inside a property on Siskin Close, Hawkinge near Folkestone. Officers attended along with South East Coast Ambulance Service and an eight month old girl was airlifted to a London hospital where she remains in a serious condition.", reports the Mirror.

"The dog was seized and destroyed. An 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. They remain in custody while enquiries continue."

On Wednesday evening, police and forensic officers were seen at the scene, accompanied by nine patrol cars. The investigation is still underway, with authorities appealing for anyone with information to step forward.

As of February 1 this year, owning an XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate became a criminal offence. Owners are required to have their dogs neutered, microchipped, and kept muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.