A ‘dangerously out of control’ XL Bully which was attacking members of the public, leaving a woman with injuries, has tonight been destroyed by specialist officers.

Police were called to a road in Eccles at 9pm after several reports of a dog out of control.

Attempts to contain the dog, now a banned breed, failed meaning it had to destroyed on the scene.

In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 9pm tonight on Gladstone Road, Eccles, we were called to several reports of a dog dangerously out of control that was subsequently attacking the public and injured a woman in the process.

“Initially both local officers and the public were unable to regain control of the dog.

“Specialist officers were deployed and tried safely to secure the XL Bully but were unsuccessful. This meant due to the risk and harm it was causing as a banned breed, it was destroyed at the scene as the last possible action.

“Two men were arrested at the scene for confronting officers. The woman . Victim is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

“We u dersrand the concern this  incident will raise within the community, but our officers have a duty to act I challenging situations in a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone safe.”

Owners of the controversial breed must have their dogs neutered by June 30 if they were aged 12 months or older on January 31 this year.