Mother was killed in attack by pet American bulldog

Kelly Reilly was fatally attacked by her pet American bulldog, police say

A pet dog which fatally attacked its owner was an American bulldog, police have said.

Kelly Reilly, 33, was found in a critical condition inside a property on Wexford Road, Coventry at about 12:15 BST on Monday, and died at the scene a short time later.

Tests carried out on the animal revealed its breed and the dog was humanely destroyed, police said.

Ms Reilly's family paid tribute to the "kind-hearted mother" and the city's coroner has been informed.

Ms Reilly was described as "the most beautiful, kind-hearted young lady anybody could meet."

"She was the most amazing mum, daughter, sister , auntie, fiance, niece, cousin and friend to many," her family said in a statement.

"Kelly would light up any room she walked into. She had the biggest heart and cared for everyone around her."

American bulldogs are a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type dog known to have a muscular build and short coat.

They are different to American XL bully dogs which are banned to own without an exemption certificate.

Last month, seven-month-old Elle Doherty died after being bitten by her family’s pet Belgian Malinois dog, also in Coventry.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics there were 16 deaths as a result of dog attacks in the first nine months of 2023, compared to six in the whole of 2022.