A young girl was rushed to hospital last night after being bitten by a suspected XL bully.

Police were called by the ambulance service at around 7.10pm on Saturday, April 13 to a property in Falmouth to reports of a child being bitten by a dog, causing serious injuries.

The girl was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Her next of kin also attended the hospital with her.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the dog – which they believed was an XL bully – was seized by attending officers.

The police are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with information to get in touch.

A force spokesperson said: “Police were called by the ambulance service at around 7.10pm on Saturday 13 April to a property in Lowenek Close, Falmouth.

“It was reported that a child had been bitten by a dog, causing serious injuries.

“The girl was taken to Treliske Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. Her next of kin attended hospital with her. 

“Officers attended the scene and seized the dog, which is believed to be an XL Bully.

“An investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“Anyone with information which could help with enquiries is asked to contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting log 827 of 13/4/24.”

The Packet reported that breeding, selling, or abandoning the XL bully dog would be a criminal offence in England and Wales from February 1, 2024.

However, under the new restrictions owners of the breed must keep their dogs on a lead and muzzled in public.

As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped.