Teenager Dies in 'Heartbreaking' Dog Attack as Man and Woman Are Arrested

A 19-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a dog in England.

At around 7:19 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the ambulance service alerted police to the incident inside a flat in Cobhorn Drive, Bristol, according to a news release from Avon and Somerset Police. Despite efforts to treat the victim, she “tragically died at the scene.”

“Two people, a man and a woman both aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a prohibited breed of dog. They remain in police custody,” per the release.

A neighbor, who didn’t wish to be identified, told the BBC of the victim, “She seemed a lovely girl.”

“I am still trying to process this. I was up all night awake trying to process this,” they continued. “I am shocked. I just can’t believe it’s happened and she hasn’t been there that long.”

Resident Gary Steadman added that the situation is “heartbreaking” and revealed the dog was “big, butch and brown and white” in color, according to the outlet. 

The victim’s family has been informed and are receiving support from a specially trained officer, per the release.

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According to the release, initial reports suggest the dog may have been an XL Bully, though the breed hasn’t been confirmed. Officers confirmed the canine has now been put down, per the BBC.

Inspector Terry Murphy, from Avon and Somerset Police, described the incident as “incredibly rare” in a press conference on Thursday, according to the BBC.

In a statement, Murphy added, per the release, “Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of the young woman who has tragically died as a result of yesterday evening’s incident.”

“I’d also like to thank the officers and paramedics who attended yesterday evening and tried to save her life. Support is in place for them,” the statement continued. “A full investigation is now well under way to establish the full circumstances of the events that led to her death.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police told PEOPLE, “The two people arrested on Wednesday have been released on conditional bail and the investigation continues.”

Police have declined to comment on whether the victim lived at the property or had any connection to the dog’s owners, local news outlet Bristol Live reported. 

Julie Ann – who lived in a downstairs apartment – told the outlet that she realized something was wrong when she saw flashing lights. 

“It’s just such a shock, I’m very shocked,” she continued. “It was just awful. There were so many police here.”