Dog that attacked girl, 12, thought to be XL bully

This is the dog suspected of attacking the girl in Blaenau Gwent

A dog that attacked a 12-year-old girl, leaving her with life-changing injuries, is believed to be an XL bully, a nearby resident has told the BBC.

The attack occurred at a property in Nantyglo, in Blaenau Gwent, on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, Gwent Police forensics officers were examining the scene, with police tape sealing off an area surrounding the house.

A 42-year-old woman and a man, 37, both from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of owning or possessing a dog bred for fighting and owning or possessing a dog dangerously out of control.

The girl was taken to hospital after the attack, which occurred on The Crescent, Nantyglo, at about 17:50 BST.

The local resident, who did not want to be named, said they believed the dog, named Rocco, was an XL bully breed.

There has been a police presence in the area after the attack

The resident said complaints have been made to the local housing association about the animal on several occasions.

They added that the injured girl does not live at the same house as the dog.

Gwent Police said the dog has been seized by officers and would be destroyed, adding that no other animals were involved in the attack.

The force added that there was no further risk to the public.