Bristol 'XL Bully' dog attack as woman mauled in her own home with riot police rushing to house

A woman was found with serious injuries after being bitten by a dog believed to be an in her home, as police had to use riot shields to enter for their own safety.

were called to the home in Bristol at around 4.15pm this afternoon following reports a woman had been hurt. Officers attempting to access the house were forced to use protective shields to enter the property for their own safety. A woman, believed to be in her 40s, suffered injuries described as potentially life changing as she was rushed to hospital - and the dog was secured inside the home.

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An Avon and Somerset Police statement read: "Emergency services were called at about 4.15pm on Thursday 10 April after a woman was bitten by a dog at a home in Sutton Avenue, Bristol.

"The woman, believed to be in her forties, has gone to hospital by land ambulance, with injuries currently described as potentially life-changing.

"Officers used protective shields to ensure their own safety while entering the address.

"Police remain at the scene and the dog is secured at the property pending the arrival of specialist dog handlers."

It comes as an "aggressive" that managed to evade capture despite being shot by the police remains The dog escaped in the Hillfoot area when armed police rushed to the scene, following reports of a gun being fired at a property on Thursday night.

Officers found the dog at the property, along with two other XL Bullys, and fired a shot before the animal escaped. said it was doing all it could to find the animal.

In an update a spokesperson for the force . Police urged locals to be on the lookout, avoid approaching the dog, and contact them if they spot the animal.

Police said forensic analysis of blood at the scene suggested the XL Bully was injured before it fled. The force confiscated two other and took them to police kennels.

Officers said they contacted veterinary practices across the city in attempt to locate the dog, which they believe "has the ability to show aggression and cause harm" to the public. Police said in a statement: "Shooting a dog is never a decision taken lightly by our armed officers.

"During what was already a challenging incident, and the risk posed, the decision was made to shoot the dog to progress finding a suspect and weapon and protecting our communities.

"We now believe the dog to have suffered injuries and are urging the public to be vigilant for a loose XL Bully, but also one that may have succumb to its injuries or been taken somewhere for treatment."