South Yorkshire Police speak out over 'speculation' after XL bully shot dead in Sheffield

Police say decisions to destroy dogs are based on "risk and threat" after online speculation about the fatal shooting of an XL bully.

Armed officers from South Yorkshire Police destroyed the dog after they found it running "loose" in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield on Saturday afternoon.

It followed reports of a woman being bitten and a dog walker being intimidated.

Ch Insp Emma Cheney said: "We are aware of allegations and speculation on social media and would like to confirm the dog was loose at the time, with no owner close-by when the decision was made to destroy the dog.

"I would also like to remind you that officers put themselves in harm’s way every day on the frontline to protect and serve their communities. They are highly trained, professional, and skilled people and their decisions are based on risk and threat, with their own and public safety as a priority."

Police are still looking for the woman who is believed to have been bitten by the dog.

The force said she is believed to have been holding her own dog above her head for its safety.

A passing motorist is thought to have stopped to help, allowing the woman and her dog into his car and driving them to safety.

The incident was one of three separate reports to South Yorkshire Police about dangerous dogs within a 13-minute period.

In Doncaster two dogs reportedly chased members of the public.

Armed officers were also deployed to Barnsley after reports of a man being attacked by two loose dogs.

Two dogs were seized and are being held in police kennels.

Ch Insp Cheney added: "We have sadly had serious injuries and fatalities within South Yorkshire caused by dogs, and recent events across the country have also seen children killed by family pets; owners must step up.

“We will always, where possible aim to safely secure and seize a dog, but unfortunately this is not always possible."

Earlier this year it became illegal to own an XL bully without a certificate of exemption.

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