Watch: Moment suspected XL Bully attacks cockapoo

A mother from south-west London has said her dog would have "almost definitely" been killed had she not intervened when it was bitten by a suspected XL Bully.

Emma Rogers said the dog, which she and the Metropolitan Police suspect to have been an XL Bully, jumped at her and her cockapoo as they walked past a fishmongers in Twickenham High Street.

Ms Rogers said she reported it to the police but they were unable to identify the owner.

In England and Wales, as of 31 December 2023, it is illegal to breed, sell, gift, advertise, or have XL Bully dogs in public without a muzzle and lead.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they sent an emergency response team to the scene to carry out enquiries and take statements.

"The case was assigned to a neighbourhood officer for further investigation who has made contact with the victim," they said.

"The suspect dog and its owner made off before police arrival. Enquiries are ongoing about what breed the dog was."

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