Police launch appeal after girl, 4, is mauled by XL bully on river footpath

An XL bully bit a four-year-old girl along a riverside footpath in Salford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched an appeal for information today following the incident where the young child was attacked by a dog on the River Irwell footpath in Kersal. The unfortunate event occurred sometime between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday, July 19.

Thankfully, the little girl did not sustain any severe injuries from the attack, according to GMP. At present, what prompted the attack or whether the dog's owner was present during the incident is unknown. It comes after a Brit mum's 'horrendous' death after being scratched by a puppy with rabies on holiday.

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The police are now calling on any witnesses to step forward with information as they begin to piece together the details of the attack, reports Manchester Evening News.

A spokesperson for GMP Salford stated: "We are appealing for information following an incident which saw an XL bully bite a four-year-old child on footpath of the River Irwell in Kersal between 2-3pm on Saturday, July 19 2025.

"Thankfully no serious injury was sustained." This is not the only incident involving XL Bully dogs in recent times.

On April 26 this year, a church volunteer was brutally attacked by an XL Bully while he was asleep, with the banned breed ripping off the man's ear.

Darren Shuttleworth-Long was caring for the dog, which wasn't his own, when he was set upon at a property in Exeter Street, Swindon.

The 52-year-old had dozed off beside the animal but awoke to find it with its jaw clamped beneath his armpit.

The dog continued mauling and biting Darren, from Swindon, Wiltshire, for approximately 10 minutes.

The XL Bully succeeded in tearing his right ear clean off and also left half of Darren's nose "hanging off".

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to call 101 and quote reference CRI/06FF/0019513/25. Alternatively, tips can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.