Sheffield dog attack: Boy, 12, seriously injured by bully XL

Police seized two bully XLs from a property in Firth Park, Sheffield

A 12-year-old boy was left seriously injured after being attacked by his family's bully XL dog, police said.

The attack happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday at a property in the Firth Park area of Sheffield.

South Yorkshire Police was alerted to the incident by staff at Sheffield Children's Hospital where the boy was treated for a broken arm.

Firearms officers later seized two bully XLs said to have been "reacting aggressively" from the property.

Police said the boy's bone was visible in his arm after the attack.

There were no reports of any arrests.

Both dogs remained in police kennels while the investigation continued, the force said.

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said there had been an increase in dog attacks in recent years, adding family pets remained the "greatest threat".

She added: "As Christmas and New Year approach, you may welcome more visitors into your home and have excited children, so it is important to be vigilant. Stop thinking my dog wouldn't do that.

"Any dog can be aggressive and when exposed to stress and anxiety it can take days for their behaviour to return to normal."

Ms Cheney advises:

• Providing a space for your dog where they can be left alone and feel safe

• Encouraging children to stroke dogs gently, avoiding teasing and shouting it

• Never leaving children alone around dogs

• Not interfering with a dog's feeding, sleeping or play time.