Five dogs are put down following a deadly attack on a woman

Five American bulldogs have been put down after they mauled a woman in her home in Merseyside, England. This isn't the first fatal attack of its kind in the UK this year, raising questions about the breed.

Attacked by five American Bulldogs

Merseyside Police were called at 4.25pm on Monday, October 3, after a woman in her 60s was mauled to death as a result of a dog attack.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, with the force confirming dogs were involved.

More than a dozen police cars, three ambulance vehicles and a fire engine took over a nearby street and put a cordon in place. Forensics officers arrived at the scene around two hours later and were seen entering the home and taking pictures outside.

Terrified neighbours reported that they have ‘heard screams’ from the direction of the house after 4pm, The Echo writes. A woman said:

My husband came home at about 4pm and I heard a woman's screams at some point after that. When I heard what happened I was shocked. The family must be devastated, you can't put it into words really.

A man arrested

Police confirmed a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control. Detective Inspector Katie Coote said:

This is clearly a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady who died.

The inquiries remain ongoing as the force seeks to establish what has happened.

The police also commented that the woman had not yet been formally identified but her next of kin had been informed. A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Not the first dog attack

This terrifying attack comes just months after an American Bully XL turned on its ownersin South Yorkshire, resulting in a death and life-changing injuries. A 17-month-old toddler was mauled by the dog of the same breed in her home in Merseyside, and a schoolboy died after being bitten at a friend's home in Caerphilly, Wales. Kennel owner Adam Watts, who dedicated his life to saving dogs and campaigning for their welfare, was also killed by an American Bully XL last year.

Sourced used:

- BBC News: ‘Liverpool woman attacked by dogs and killed in Kirkdale house’

- BBC News: ‘Liverpool dog attack: Man arrested after woman killed’

- The Echo: ‘Screams' heard as woman mauled to death by dogs in home’

Read more:

⋙ This ‘American Bully XL’ dog turned on its owners in a horrific attack

⋙ 8 Warning signs that a dog is about to bite, according to a vet

⋙ This rescued dog was covered in bite marks after living with a 'crazy hoarder' for 11 years