Police had 'no alternative' but to shoot bulldog dead after attack

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Hope Street in Leigh shortly after 10.50pm on Saturday (September 12) following reports that two people had been injured by a bulldog and required hospital treatment.

Officers have now divulged more details of the incident, saying they believe it was the owner of the dog who was initially attacked. A friend then tried to help to control it and both suffered serious injuries.

The dog was put down at the scene and police said the dog's behaviour left them with no choice but to put the dog down.

In a post on GMP Leigh, Atherton and Hindley's Facebook page, police said: "We believe it was the owner of the dog who was initially attacked and a friend has tried to help to control it and both suffered serious injuries.

"Due to the dogs behaviour and severity of the injury and location,there was no alternative but to put the dog down."

Nobody has been arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

The Avenue in Leigh was closed in both directions at the junction of Hope Street and Holden Road as police dealt with the incident. Motorists were asked to avoid the area and take an alternative route.

A GMP spokesman said: "Police were called shortly after 10.50pm on Saturday, September 12 to reports of a disturbance on Hope Street in Leigh.

"Two people are understood to have been injured by a dog and required hospital treatment.

"Officers attended and the dog – a Bulldog – was put down at the scene.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."