Hertfordshire 'XL Bully' attack leaves woman bloodied and bruised

A woman who was left bloodied and bruised after a vicious 'XL Bully' attack in Hertfordshire has admitted she is "petrified to go outside" and may require surgery on her injuries.

Sophie Dollimore was walking her dog on Stockbreach Road at around 9.40pm on Wednesday, July 3, when an out of control dog that she believes is the banned XL Bully breed bit her on the leg.

She was left bruised and covered in blood after suffering puncture wounds to her leg, which may now require surgery.

"I was taken to Barnet Hospital, and when the doctor looked at my leg, he could put a cotton swap all the way through the main bite," Sophie told this newspaper.

"I am having to go Barnet fracture and orthopaedic clinic because of the injuries I have sustained, and I might need surgery."

Sophie was left with a serious puncture wound that she says a doctor could put a cotton swap all the way through. (Image: Sophie Dollimore)

Sophie admitted she is now "petrified to go outside", and called on Herts police, who have a report of the incident, to take action.

"I am petrified to go outside now because the police have not seized the dog and the owner can’t control the dog. I’m scared I’m going to get a bitten again," she said.

"I was very scared that night and I don’t feel safe.

"I feel let down by the police as they have not done anything to protect me or the public because they haven't seized this dangerous dog. It’s been nearly a month and that dog could bite someone again."

Herts police confirmed to this newspaper that they are investigating the incident, and are working to "establish the breed".

Sophie has called on the police to take action. (Image: Sophie Dollimore)

"Police are investigating following reports of a dog being dangerously out of control on Stockbreach Road, Hatfield," said a spokesperson for the force.

"At around 9.40pm on Wednesday, July 3, it is reported that a dog bit a woman aged in her 20s.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the breed of dog, and anyone with information is asked to please contact police via 101 or the online web chat, quoting crime reference 41/54289/24."

The ban XL Bullies was introduced on February 1, after a number of fatal attacks across the UK - and it is now an offence to sell, abandon, give away, breed or have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle.