Two bailed after dog attack that killed woman, 19

Two people have been released on bail following a dog attack that killed a 19-year-old woman.

The incident occurred at about 19:00 GMT on Wednesday at a flat in Cobhorn Drive, south Bristol. Officers confirmed the dog had now been put down.

A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

They were also arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited breed of dog. Initial reports suggested it may be an XL bully, but police said it was too early to confirm the breed.

The woman’s family was informed following the attack and they are being supported by a specially trained officer.

On Thursday, a neighbour who lives close to the scene said the woman had only lived in the property a few weeks.

She described being “shocked” at having seen the woman after the attack.

“The moment she walked out the door I could hear her, and I ran over to her and said, ‘Are you okay?’,” the neighbour described.

“She couldn’t talk or say a word. It was like she wasn’t there because of the shock.”

Another reported hearing “screaming” and described the dog as “big, butch and brown and white” in colour.

Police do not consider there to be any ongoing risk to the public and at a press conference on Thursday called the incident “incredibly rare”.

A spokesperson said an investigation was under way to establish the full circumstances of the events that led to the woman’s death.

There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, they said.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that seven people in England and Wales died last year after being attacked by a dog.

Data from the NHS shows from 2023-2024, nearly 11,000 people were taken to hospital after being bitten by a dog.