An eight-month-old baby girl has been airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a suspected XL bully dog in Hawkinge, near Folkestone.
Kent Police responded to the incident on Siskin Close at 2.23pm on Wednesday following reports the infant had been bitten.
Arabella Williams was transported to a London hospital where she remains in serious condition.
Family members have since reported that the baby is now stable in intensive care, though they indicated it had been “touch and go”.
Arabella Williams was transported to a London hospital where she remains in a serious condition
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Police officers are maintaining a presence in the area to conduct enquiries and provide reassurance to local residents.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack – an 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman.
They were detained on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and remain in custody.
The dog involved in the incident has been seized and destroyed.
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The attack comes after XL bully dogs were banned in England and Wales on February 1 this year.
Under the new legislation, it is now a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.
Owners must ensure their dogs are neutered, microchipped, muzzled and kept on a lead in public.
Last month, Savannah Bentham, 10, was mauled to death by her family’s XL Bully dog.
The dog involved in the incident has been seized and destroyed.(stock pic)
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The tragic incident occurred at the family’s home in the village of East Heslerton, North Yorkshire.
Despite efforts by medical professionals and a member of the public, Savannah sadly died at the scene.
The dog, which had reportedly been recently acquired by the family, was secured in a car by a family member before being transferred to kennels. Bentham had reportedly boasted to her pals: “I have got a new pet – an XL bully.”
North Yorkshire Police noted that all indications suggest the attack was “out-of-character”, with Savannah and the dog having had “a close, loving relationship”.