Tributes have been pouring in for a woman who was attacked and killed by her dog in a horrific incident that nearly saw her boyfriend lose his life too.
It is believed mum-of-two, Joanne Robinson, is the third victim of the breed which has already killed two tots - and remains a legal breed to own.
The 43-year-old was attacked in her house by one of two American Bully XL dogs while her boyfriend Jamie Stead, 42, is lucky to be alive after suffering injuries to his face, hands, and chest as he tried to pull the animals off her.
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He remains in hospital after the horror attack at a house in West Melton, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, at roughly 10:00 pm on Friday.
Meanwhile, Joanne has been described as a “beautiful angel” by heartbroken friends.
In March police confirmed that an American Bully XL killed Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months, in her own home in St Helens, Merseyside.
Police said the toddler was attacked a week after the family bought the dog.
Then last month, it was reported that a Bully XL mauled schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, to death in Wales last year.
Police in Rotherham took the dogs away and the house has been cordoned off for a painstaking forensic examination.
Floral tributes have been placed on metal railings outside the house while neighbours have spoken of their shock and horror.
One heart-breaking message read: “To our beautiful angel up above. You will never be forgotten. Love you always.”
Neighbour John Allerton, 69, a retired miner, said: “It’s really really tragic.”
Another friend said: "I'm devastated. She was a lovely lady. They are a lovely family."
The police took away two dogs. One man, who said he was the couple’s son, said, “I can assure you that the dogs were treated well.”
South Yorkshire Police said: “We were called to a property on Masefield Road in West Melton last night around 10:15 pm when a member of the public stated that a dog had attacked him and a woman.
“Officers arrived with the Yorkshire Ambulance Brigade and found a 42-year-old man with a potentially life-threatening injury to one arm, as well as injuries to the other arm, abdomen, and face.
“A 43-year-old woman was mortally bitten, and, despite the best efforts of the rescuers, she was sadly pronounced dead on the spot.” Today, the house remains cordoned off while investigations continue.
RSPCA is linking the increase in Britons buying puppies during Covid to a surge in fatal dog attacks.
Reports from the Dog and Cat Behaviour Association show that dog attacks increased by 54% between 2020 and 2021.
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