'Dangerously out-of-control' XL Bully shot dead by armed police after attacking multiple passers-by

Greater Manchester police received multiple reports of a dog attacking people at around 9pm.

Officers say they were unable to recapture the animal.

Armed police were called "due to the risk and harm it was causing", before it was "destroyed at the scene as the last possible option."

Two men have been arrested after confronting officers.

The injured woman is still receiving treatment.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "Specialised officers were deployed and tried to safely secure the XL Bully but were unsuccessful.

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"This meant unfortunately due to the risk and harm it was causing as a banned breed it was destroyed at the scene as the last possible option.

"Two men were later arrested and detained after confronting officers. The woman victim is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

"We understand the concern this incident will raise within the community but our officers have a duty to act in challenging situations on a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone safe."

A spate of fatal XL Bully attacks resulted in Rishi Sunak launching a new ban on the breed without a certificate of exemption in February.

XL Bully dogs, which are the largest type of American bulldog, have been illegal to own in England and Wales since January 31.

Last Friday, a woman was rushed to hospital following an XL Bully attack in Terrington St John, Norfolk.

The unnamed woman was walking her pooch when the XL Bully appeared from a nearby property.

The dog attacked the woman and left her with a "serious upper limb wound" on her left arm.