XL bully: Four men in hospital after suspected Battersea attack

Four men have been injured in an attack by a suspected XL bully dog in south London.

Police were called shortly after 10pm on Monday March 18 to reports of a dog, described as an XL bully, being dangerously out of control and attacking people in the vicinity of Home Road, Battersea.

Four men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that were not life threatening. The dog was shot by police.

A 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Both remain in custody.

Enquiries continue to establish the circumstances of the incident.

An examination of the dog will take place to establish its specific breed.

Marsha de Cordova, the Labour MP for Battersea, said she was “deeply concerned” to hear about the attack.

She wrote on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims injured in the attack, and for their full recovery.

 “I am in contact with the police and their enquiries are ongoing.

 “New laws have come into force that make it illegal to own an American XL Bully dog without an exemption certificate. It is vital that there is strong enforcement to make sure owners comply with the legislation.”

From February 1, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7620/18Mar.