Woman mauled to death by her two XL bully dogs in latest tragedy involving the banned breed

A woman in her 50s was tragically mauled to death by her two registered XL bully dogs, marking yet another fatal incident related to the banned breed.

The vicious attack took place at around 1pm on Monday (May 20) on Cornwall Close, Hornchurch, east London. Pictures this morning show a blue forensic tent, erected outside the woman's residence in the quiet residential street.

Police confirmed the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, with the two certified dogs seized after officers managed to isolate them in a room.

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From February 1, it became illegal to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate. Owners of these dogs must fulfil certain conditions such as neutering the animal, microchipping it, and ensuring it stays muzzled and leashed when in public among other restrictions.

The Government move to ban XL bullies followed a series of attacks. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that in 2023, there were 16 fatalities due to dog attacks, a significant increase from previous years where statistics remained in single digits.

Towards the end of 2023, approximately 60% of dogs held in police kennels belonged to some sort of bull breed.

The Hornchurch incident follows closely on from last week's prosecution of mother and son Amanda Young, 49, and Lewis Young, 30. They were sentenced following a "savage and sustained attack" on an eight year old boy by their own XL bully.

The young boy sustained severe injuries to his face, hands, and scalp during the frightening assault which unfolded in a communal area at Wadham Road, Bootle flats, Merseyside, on