The devastated family of a 19-year-old girl who was killed in an attack by an ‘XL Bully’ dog last night paid tribute, saying ‘our hearts are breaking’.
Morgan Dorsett, from Shropshire, died at the scene after she was attacked by what was believed to be an XL Bully-type dog at her cousin’s flat in Cobhorn Drive, in Hartcliffe, south Bristol, at around 7.19pm on February 26.
The dog was sedated and seized by police, who have since confirmed the pet has been destroyed.
In an emotional tribute to his stepdaughter, Matthew Travis wrote: ‘Words can’t describe how much our hearts are breaking at the moment.
‘The loveable rogue who knew what she wants and also how to get it. That cheeky smile would win me over every bloody time even to the point you would have me making you pasta at 2am.’
Mr Travis added: ‘You could do no wrong in my eyes and will always be my favourite (as you would enjoy telling everyone).
‘In our hearts you will hold a place no one else will ever fill.’
Morgan’s mother, Marie Louise, wrote on Facebook: ‘I would like to thank everyone who has messaged us. I have read them all and really do appreciate it. I will get back to all eventually. Much love.’
Neighbours, who said they had heard Morgan was an epileptic, said she suffered a seizure – falling on the dog which then turned on her.
A man and 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 have since been released on conditional police bail.
Locals reported the owner had told them it was an XL Bully and she had the documentation for it, but the breed has yet to be officially confirmed.
Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘Work to confirm the type of the dog involved continues. It has been put down.
‘A man and a woman, both aged in their 20s, who 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 on Wednesday, have since been released on conditional police bail while enquiries continue.
‘Morgan’s family continue to be updated on the investigation and are being supported by a specially trained officer.
‘They have thanked members of the public for their support and those who have left flowers. They have asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.
‘If you have any information you think could help our investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225051097.’