Two women have been taken to hospital after being mauled by a dog suspected of being an XL bully.

Emergency services were called to an address in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, after reports of a dog attack shortly after 11.40am on Thursday, Staffordshire Police said.

Officers contained the animal, which will be put down, at the scene.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police.

The incident comes as the government looks to ban XL bullies in response to a series of attacks, some of which have been deadly.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who described the animals as a danger to communities, has said he will outlaw the animals under the Dangerous Dogs Act with measures “in place by the end of the year”.

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Why banning XL bully dogs could be problematic

The XL bully, which is developed from the American pit bull terrier, is not recognised as a specific breed by the Kennel Club – and there are concerns any attempt to prohibit the animal may not be practical, as it could mean a ban may inadvertently impact other kinds of dogs.

Campaigners are calling for an overhaul of the existing legislation, so it focuses “not on the breed but the deed”.

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It is against the law to own, breed or sell dogs on the list of prohibited breeds, drawn up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro.

It is also against the law to have a dog that is dangerously out of control, an offence which can be punished by prison sentences and unlimited fines.

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