Aggressive XL bully still on loose in Brit city three days after cops fail to shoot it dead

The city of Sheffield has been on high alert for three days since an 'aggressive' XL bully fled after being shot by armed police who are still searching for the missing animal

20:23, 06 Apr 2025Updated 20:23, 06 Apr 2025

It is a criminal offense to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales(Image: Getty Images)

An 'aggressive' XL bully was still on the loose on Sunday evening – three days after armed cops failed to shoot it dead. Firearms officers from South Yorkshire Police tried to shoot the beast after it 'displayed hostile behaviour' while they were investigating reported gunfire in Sheffield.

But it fled the scene after being fired at, forcing cops to urge locals to be on the lookout for the animal as they launched a city-wide dog hunt.

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And a spokesperson for the force confirmed that the dog was still at large on Sunday evening, three days on. It is believed the dog was injured in the shooting, the force said.

An XL Bully is on the loose in a Sheffield suburb after police shot at it(Image: MEN MEDIA)

A police spokesperson said it was believed the animal had been injured before fleeing the scene and officers have contacted vets in the area.

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The force believes the dog 'has the ability to show aggression and cause harm' to the public and urged people not to approach it and to call 999 immediately if it is seen.

A spokesperson said: "Shooting a dog is never a decision taken lightly by our armed officers. During what was already a challenging incident, and the risk posed, the decision was made to shoot the dog to progress finding a suspect and weapon and protecting our communities.

Police said forensic analysis of blood at the scene suggested the canine was injured before it fled(Image: MEN MEDIA)

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"We now believe the dog to have suffered injuries and are urging the public to be vigilant for a loose XL Bully, but also one that may have succumbed to its injuries or been taken somewhere for treatment.

"We have contacted all veterinary practices as part of our enquiries but continue to ask anyone who has received a dog into their care [which] they believe could be this dog to come forward.

"If you see the dog, we continue to urge you not to approach it, as we believe it has the ability to show aggression and cause harm."

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Cops attended an incident after neighbours reported gunshots outside a house on Daniel Hill Street in Sheffield(Image: MEN MEDIA)

Police have linked the incident to a crash between a motorbike and a VW Golf on Thursday night after receiving reports shots had been fired at a man.

Marcus Ned, 39, has since been charged in connection with the incidents and was due to appear before magistrates on Monday.

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He faces two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition without a certificate and attempt to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

An XL Bully named Pippa enjoys a run and a walk on a private and secure dog walking field

The breed is banned in the UK after being responsible for a number of fatal attacks(Image: Getty Images)

A 39-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and a 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle have been released on bail. Meanwhile, police said a 35-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of affray and released on police bail.

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It is criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption since a ban came into force last February. The ban followed a sharp rise in fatal attacks involving the breed in recent years.

The muscular dogs have been crossbred with other breeds including English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs and American Bulldogs and can weigh upto eight stone.

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