**XL Bully Dog Dies After Police Use Taser During ‘Machete Incident’ in Manchester Park**
A dog believed to be an XL bully has died after being tasered by police responding to a violent incident in Manchester. Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Nutsford Vale Park, in Levenshulme, on the evening of Friday, 25 April, following reports of several men seen wielding machetes in the area.
The alarming situation escalated when police attended the park at approximately 6pm and encountered a tumultuous scene. According to official statements, two 16-year-old boys were present and were subsequently arrested at the location. During the intervention, officers reported that a large, aggressive dog, thought to be an XL bully, had been released in an apparent bid to help the suspects evade arrest.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to capture the intensity of the moment. The video depicts the dog barking vociferously, chasing officers, and at one point lunging directly at them as they attempted to apprehend an individual. In a sequence showing the escalating danger, the officers are seen retreating, using a baton, and subsequently deploying a taser in a desperate move to restrain the animal.
Greater Manchester Police released a statement describing their actions and the rationale behind them. “As officers arrived at the location, it’s believed that one of the men released a large dog, believed to be an XL bully, in an attempt to evade police,” a spokesperson explained. “The dog was aggressive, and several tactics were utilised in an attempt to safely restrain the dog. To mitigate the danger posed to the public and officers at the scene, the dog was tasered. Sadly, it has since passed away.”
This troubling incident highlights the dangers police officers frequently face in fast-moving and unpredictable situations. It also underscores the potential risks that can arise when aggressive dogs are used to intimidate or protect those engaged in criminal activity. In such cases, officers are often required to make split-second decisions to protect themselves as well as members of the public.
In the wake of the event, two 16-year-old males have been charged with robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. Reports indicate that the pair were scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 April. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with further information or relevant footage to come forward to assist with their enquiries.
Animal rights advocates and members of the local community are likely to express concern about the dog’s death, as well as the broader issue of dangerous dogs being deployed in criminal settings. The XL bully breed has found itself at the centre of a national conversation concerning dangerous dogs and public safety, particularly after a series of high-profile attacks involving similar breeds.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced not only by frontline officers, who are tasked with protecting the public, but also by lawmakers and communities seeking to balance concerns of public safety, animal welfare, and responsible dog ownership.
As the investigation continues, authorities will be reviewing body-worn camera footage and other evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the use of force. The event will no doubt contribute to ongoing debates about the appropriate handling of dangerous dogs and the tactical responses available to police in crisis situations.
Further updates from Greater Manchester Police are expected as the court case progresses and the community absorbs the implications of this violent exchange in a public space.