Govind Tekale
A 19-year-old woman named Morgan Dorsett died after being attacked by a dog believed to be an XL Bully inside a flat in Bristol. The fatal incident occurred on February 26, 2025, around 7:00 PM at a property on Cobhorn Drive in the Hartcliffe area.
Paramedics and officers from Avon and Somerset Police responded to the scene, but despite their efforts, Dorsett was pronounced dead at the location. The dog involved in the attack was sedated by police and later put down for public safety reasons.
A man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested following the incident 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. Both have since been released on conditional bail as investigations continue.
“Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of the young woman who’s tragically died,” said Inspector Terry Murphy of Avon and Somerset Police. “A full investigation is now well underway to establish the full circumstances of the events that led to her death.”
Police confirmed they are still working to verify the breed of the dog involved, though initial reports suggest it was an XL Bully. The breed was banned in February 2024 under changes to the Dangerous Dog Act, making ownership illegal without an exemption certificate.
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Community Reaction
Neighbors described hearing screams coming from the property during the incident. A 32-year-old woman living nearby reported seeing a distressed woman emerge from the flat.
“She walked out and sat down on the front steps as emergency services arrived outside,” the neighbor said. “She was screaming, crying, not making sense. She was in shock.”
Another resident, 82-year-old Doreen Tovey, told reporters: “I heard shouting and commotion—a woman was screaming in the street. She was hysterical, she was shouting ‘they killed my dog’.”
Community members expressed shock over the incident, with some leaving floral tributes near the scene. One neighbor described Dorsett as “lovely, bubbly, a happy young girl” and mentioned seeing her outside the property before.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have increased their presence in the area following the attack, which Inspector Murphy described as “incredibly rare.” Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them by calling 101.
The victim’s family has thanked the public for their support and those who left flowers near the scene. They have requested privacy during this difficult time.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous dog breeds. Despite the ban on XL Bullies introduced last year, data obtained by The Independent showed that dog attacks in England and Wales rose by nine percent in the first five months after the legislation was implemented.
Police chiefs warned last month that the legislation would not be an “overnight fix” to the issue of dangerous dogs.
