South Yorkshire Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public to be vigilant after the dog became loose in the Hillfoot area of Sheffield following a firearms discharge
Armed police are currently on a manhunt for an “aggressive” XL bully that remains at large after they attempted to shoot the animal.
The dramatic search follows just five days after South Yorkshire Police fatally shot two dogs in Sheffield, including an XL bully, allegedly after the pair attacked a horse upon escaping from a garden. In the most recent incident, an XL dog disappeared following a police raid at the home of a man tied to two separate gun-related incidents in Sheffield. Once inside the premises, officers discovered two dogs, one being an XL bully.
They have been into custody at police kennels.
However, during the operation, a third dog ran off after officers opened fire on it.
Currently, the animal is thought to be roaming in Walkley, Sheffield, prompting police cordons around both Daniel Hill Street and Rivelin Road.
A 37-year-old has been detained by South Yorkshire Police on suspicion of attempted murder.
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement alerting the public: “We’re asking for the public to be vigilant for an XL Bully that could be loose in our communities, or for anyone with information about where it may be being kept to come forward and assist us with our investigation.
“The dog became loose in the Hillfoot area of Sheffield last night, following a firearms discharge.
“Armed officers attended [Daniel Hill Street last night] and upon their entry to the property, an XL Bully became aggressive.
“Officers fired a shot towards the dog and it fled the scene – it is unknown if the dog was injured.”
The news comes after tributes were paid to a grandad who was killed by an escaped XL bully in Warrington on February 24.
John McGoll, 84, suffered a brutal attack by the canine in the front garden of a property on Bardsley Avenue. Despite being rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, March 30.
Police expressed that John “fought so hard” following the assault but remarked that “sadly his injuries were too much”. His family has been notified and is receiving support from specialist officers.
The heartrending event occurred while John was strolling down the street, suddenly ambushed by the dog which had broken free from a neighbouring house. The menacing animal was subsequently slain outside the residence by Cheshire Police’s armed unit, who discharged their weapons 19 times owing to the “sheer size and ferocity of these animals.”
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