American bully XL dogs: Girl hurt in attack wants breed banned

An 11-year-old girl who was attacked by a dog in Birmingham has backed calls for American bully XL dogs to be banned.

Ana Paun said she was "terrified" and "screaming for help" as the dog grabbed her in Bordesley Green on Saturday.

Two men who intervened were also treated in hospital after being bitten by the animal, a bully XL crossed with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The prime minister's spokesman said the attack was shocking and the government was taking it extremely seriously.

The home secretary said she was seeking "urgent advice"?on banning "lethal" bully XL dogs.

Ana had been visiting the shops with her 18-year-old sister when she noticed the dog in the street.

"The dog was staring at me and I got scared, so I started to run," she said, adding she felt "really panicked" as she fled.

"The dog grabbed my hand and started moving me about," she said.

"I was so scared. I was screaming for help but [couldn't] do anything.

"I was being attacked, it was hurting me.

"Someone grabbed him off my hand, and after he let go of my arm he went on my shoulder and he bit my shoulder as well.

"I think someone hit him with a scooter and I got up and ran into the shop."

Ana spent Saturday night in hospital but was released on Sunday evening.

She is grateful for those who stepped in to help her but believes the dog's owner should have been more responsible.

"I think they should be banned all those bulldogs should be banned."

West Midlands Police said Ana was bitten after the powerful animal broke free from its owner.

Following the initial attack, a 20-year-old man was chased across a garage forecourt by the dog before it set upon him.

He was taken to hospital with bite wounds to his forearm, along with cuts and bruises from being dragged across the ground, the force said.

Another man injured by the animal took himself to hospital for treatment.

Police said the dog's owner was currently in hospital, but not as a result of any injuries sustained in the attack.