Key Points
- XL bully type dog seized after biting girl.
- 10-year-old Mina suffered life-changing injuries.
- Two arrests: man 28, woman 52, on suspicion.
- Attack occurred Roseneath Road, Bolton, 2026.
- Father grateful: "Only her arm, very lucky."
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 12, 2026 – Greater Manchester Police have disclosed the dog breed believed responsible for severely injuring a 10-year-old girl in a harrowing attack last week, identifying it as an XL bully type alongside a terrier, as the investigation into this 2026 incident intensifies. The revelation comes amid ongoing probes into dangerous dog ownership, with two suspects remaining in custody following the mauling on Roseneath Road that left young Mina Bestun hospitalised with potentially life-altering wounds. Authorities responded swiftly, seizing the animals and underscoring the perils of certain breeds post the 2024 XL bully ban in England and Wales.
What happened in the Bolton dog attack?
The attack unfolded on Roseneath Road in the Great Lever area of Bolton at approximately 3:30 PM GMT on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. According to a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), as cited by BBC News, emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a child being mauled by dogs.
'Officers were called to Roseneath Road around 15:30 GMT on Wednesday to reports of a dog attack,' the GMP spokesperson stated to BBC Manchester.
Mina Bestun, aged 10, was the victim, walking home from school when the incident occurred just two houses from her home. As reported by Soma Mohammed, Mina's mother, to The Bolton News, neighbours witnessed the horror and attempted to intervene.
'When she was coming back from school, the neighbours said they saw a dog around here. My daughter was coming down the street and the dog got her,' Mrs Mohammed recounted.
She detailed that Mina sustained 13 tooth marks, including four deep punctures, necessitating antibiotics to combat potential infection.
The child herself provided a poignant firsthand account to The Bolton News and SWNS agency journalists.
'I was just going back home, and then I think it was a bulldog, a big dog, and it bit me two houses down from mine,' Mina said from her hospital bed. 'I just want to say that make sure you take care of your dog, keep them inside the house.'
Her words highlight the innocence shattered by the sudden violence.
GMP confirmed the gravity of her condition in an initial statement on February 5, 2026.
As per BBC coverage, 'A 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.' Armed response vehicles and the police dog unit were deployed, detaining two dogs at the scene.
No immediate information was given on whether the animals were destroyed.
Which dog breed was involved?
Police have now pinpointed the breeds, marking a key development in the case. In a statement reported by The Bolton News on February 12, 2026, GMP revealed that one dog is 'believed to be an XL bully type', with the other identified as a terrier. This aligns with BBC News updates on February 6, where a GMP representative confirmed the same to reporters.
Earlier confusion arose from a Yahoo UK report on the same day, attributing to GMP that an 'American Bulldog' was believed involved, alongside the second dog seized. A GMP spokesperson told Yahoo News, 'the dog involved in the incident is "believed to be" an American Bulldog.' This variance underscores ongoing forensic analysis, as breeds like XL bullies banned since October 2024 under the Dangerous Dogs Act amendments face stringent controls requiring exemptions, muzzles, and leashes in public.
The XL bully classification has surged in prominence following legislative changes. As noted in GOV.UK guidance referenced in YouTube timeline coverage by local reporters, owners must register these dogs, yet incidents persist. People magazine's February 7 article emphasised, citing GMP via SWNS, the attacking dog as an 'XL bully type which have been banned in England since 2024.' No confirmation yet on the dogs' fate, with police stating the investigation continues.
Who has been arrested over the incident?
Two individuals face charges related to dangerous dog possession. GMP arrested a 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman on suspicion of 'possessing a dog dangerously out of control', as detailed across multiple outlets. ITV News Granada, reporting on February 5, 2026, quoted GMP directly: 'A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control.'
The Bolton News initial coverage on February 5 aligned, noting the pair's detention post-seizure. Neither has been named publicly, and as of February 12, they remain under investigation. BBC's February 6 follow-up confirmed their status, with no charges filed yet.
'A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been detained on suspicion of having a dangerously uncontrolled dog,' police reiterated to BBC journalists.
This duo is believed to be the dogs' owners, though formal links await confirmation. Greater Manchester Police have urged witnesses to come forward via 101 or online portals, emphasising community safety.
How has the victim's family responded?
The family's anguish has been laid bare in media interviews. Mina's father, Bestun Ibrahim, spoke movingly to BBC Manchester from the hospital on February 6, 2026.
'It was only her arm; if it had been her face or stomach, what would I do then? She was very lucky,' Mr Ibrahim said, expressing profound relief amid trauma.
He added that Mina faced further surgery on her arm, per The Bolton News on February 5. The family has not issued further statements post-breed reveal. Mina's own resilience shone through her plea for responsible pet ownership, as quoted widely by SWNS and People magazine. This humanises the statistics on dog attacks, with the family's ordeal galvanising calls for stricter enforcement.
What are the life-changing injuries sustained?
Mina's wounds are described consistently as severe. GMP's initial assessment, reported by BBC on February 5, labelled them 'life-changing', involving her arm primarily. The Bolton News elaborated on February 5, via family, on the 13 marks and impending operation.
People magazine on February 7 cited GMP via SWNS: 'A 10-year-old girl was taken to [the] hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.'
Antibiotics addressed infection risks from bites, common in such cases. No updates on recovery as of February 12, but the child's hospitalisation persists. XL bullies entered the spotlight with the 2023-2024 ban wave after fatal attacks. GOV.UK guidance, referenced in YouTube analysis, mandates muzzles, leashes, and certificates for exempted animals. Despite this, incidents like Bolton's occur, fuelling debate. BBC noted the breed's involvement here, banned since 2024.
Yahoo's American Bulldog mention highlights identification challenges, as traits overlap. Advocacy groups argue nurture over nature, but statistics from prior years show disproportionate involvement in maulings. This 2026 case revives calls for tighter controls.
What is the police investigation status?
As of February 12, 2026, GMP's probe is active. The Bolton News reported the breed reveal amid ongoing enquiries. 'Police said they are still investigating the incident,' People magazine quoted on February 7. Dogs detained, suspects held; forensics likely determining exact breeds and ownership.
Witness appeals continue. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact police,' GMP urged via ITV.
No trial dates set, reflecting early stages. Bolton joins a spate of 2026 incidents. BBC's February 5 piece contextualised amid rising attacks post-ban. Reddit threads note similar cases, like Liverpool's 2025 staffy mauling, though unrelated. National data shows hundreds yearly, with banned breeds prominent. Government stats, implied in coverage, underscore urban risks. This event prompts renewed scrutiny of compliance.
Mina's statement echoes pleas: secure dogs. GOV.UK advises muzzles for XLs in public. Police reiterate reporting out-of-control animals via 999. Neighbours' intervention saved lives here. Communities urged vigilance near schools. As Bestun Ibrahim reflected, luck played a role; prevention is key.