Boy, 5, scalped by 'harmless' XL Bully still in hospital hoping for skin grafts

A five year old boy experienced a harrowing ordeal as he was left 'scalped' by an XL Bully at a neighbour's house.

The brave boy, known only as Teddy, still remains in hospital after the attack on Monday in Hull.

Teddy had innocently entered the neighbour's house to see their new pup when he was suddenly attacked. his family said. His unsuspecting mother had been previously told that the dog was 'harmless', according to Teddy's older sister Casey who sharedd details of the shocking incident.

Teddy pictured for the first time today can be seen covered in bandages over his scalp as arm wounds were also revealed. He now waits in anticipation for upcoming skin graft surgeries.

Casey, 22, expressed their family's sorrow, saying: "Obviously we're all heartbroken but very thankful that the injuries my brother sustained were not more serious."

She said that Teddy has been under medical care since Monday and is likely to stay till Friday, at least.

Following this Teddy may be allowed home but will continue to require further treatment - skin grafts for his scalp.

The unfortunate incident unfolded when Teddy and his mum, wishing to remain anonymous, were invited over by neighbours to meet their 'harmless' new pup.

What came as another shock to the family was the discovery that the dog which brutally attacked Teddy wasn't actually registered under the name of their neighbours, they claim. Revealing this surprising detail, Casey stated, "We have now been told the dog in fact was not registered to them but someone else."

Amidst all the assumptions surrounding the case, Casey added, "A lot of people have jumped to conclusions that unfortunately are completely false."

"I think a lot of people are under the impression that Teddy must have been antagonising the dog - which is absolutely not true."

"He was told he could enter the house by those living at the address and did so chaperoned by his mother and another adult."

"Upon entering, the dog mauled him without reason."

Casey said she hopes her brother will be able to return home on Friday and that she's 'very thankful' his injuries aren't more serious.

She further added: "Unfortunately it is going to be a lengthy recovery process for him however, his injuries thankfully are not life threatening."

The incident, according to Humberside Police, occurred around 11.45am in Brazil Street and inquiries are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Allison Sweeting confirmed the attacking dog is believed to be an XL Bully breed and has been seized by the police.

She stated: "We are working closely with the boy's family and the owner of the dog to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident."

"At this stage, the breed of dog is believed to be an XL bully type and it has been seized as part of our enquiries."

With 11 fatal attacks leading to deaths within a span of three years, XL Bullies have now been legislated as a banned breed.

XL Bullies now need to be registered and must wear a muzzle in public areas.

Without a certificate, owners and their dogs could face severe penalties.