XL bully attack sees woman selflessly put her body on the line to protect her own dog from savage beast

Now South Yorkshire Police are looking for the victim, with a spokesman saying: "We are keen to speak to a woman who we believe was fearful for her own dog's safety and subjected to fear from the dog."

The woman was rescued by a quick-thinking motorist who stopped to help during the frightening incident.

"A passer-by had stopped to help and had put the woman and her dog into his car and drove them to safety," according to the police spokesman.

The victim's actions in holding her pet above her head likely prevented her dog from being harmed in the attack.

Armed officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of the XL bully attack.

Upon arrival, the aggressive dog turned its attention to the police officers.

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"When officers arrived the animal ran towards them and it was deemed necessary to destroy the dog at the scene," the South Yorkshire Police spokesman said.

Police said an investigation is ongoing into the dog's actions and how it became loose on the day of the attack.

XL bullies are now prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, making it an offence to possess one unless specific conditions are met.

Legal ownership requires the dog to be registered as exempt, neutered, microchipped and insured.

Additionally, XL bullies must be muzzled and kept on a lead when in public spaces.