Overview

• The incident occurred between 2 pm and 3 pm on July 19 along the River Irwell footpath in Kersal, Salford Greater Manchester Police confirmed the child escaped serious harm and did not require hospital treatment for major wounds
• Investigators have appealed for witnesses to call 101 with reference CRI/06FF/0019513/25 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously
• No owner has been identified at the scene and the motivation behind the bite remains under inquiry
• The XL bully breed has been banned in England and Wales since February 2024, with ongoing challenges in enforcing its licensing, microchipping and public restraint rules