'XL bully-type' dog attack leaves three in hospital as heavily-armed police rush to scene

Three people have been hospitalised following a dog attack in Greater Manchester.

Armed police officers and an air ambulance raced to the scene in Hall i’ th’ Wood, Bolton at around 3.30pm after receiving reports of multiple bites.

Emergency services arrived outside an address on Barrie Way, where three people were discovered with injuries.

Armed officers are believed to have gone into a house with a dog handler following the attacks.

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An "XL-bully type" dog was spotted being seized by officers at the scene, according to witnesses.

The pet was placed in an animal transport van before being taken away from the address.

Greater Manchester Police said that no arrests have been made in connection to the bites as enquiries remain ongoing.

A spokesman for the force said: “Officers were called just before 3.30pm on Wednesday July 29, 2026, to a report of a dog bite at an address on Barrie Way in Bolton.

“Emergency services attended and three people have been taken by ambulance to hospital.

“One dog has been seized. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

The ordeal comes just weeks after two children in Leicester were rushed to hospital after being attacked by a dog in a playground.

Both children, aged six and 11, received bites to their legs and thighs on Vernon Street.

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Leicestershire Police are now appealing to the public for information about the incident on April 19.

Last month, the Government introduced legislation to ban children under 12 from being in the same home as dangerous dogs on their own.

The law, which will come into effect on November 1, will result in the seizure of the dog and potential prosecution, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: "Any attack on a child by a dangerous dog is unacceptable.

"The safety of children must always come first, and this new measure will strengthen protections in the home by ensuring young children are not left unattended around banned breed dogs, including XL Bully types.

"While many owners are acting responsibly - those that don't should face the legal consequences."

All banned dogs, including the notorious XL Bully, must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places.

The ban on the dangerous breed came into effect the February before last.

Despite the restriction, dog incidents rose that year, with 31,920 recorded dog attacks in 2024.

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