A quiet residential street in Bolton, England, became the scene of a serious and deeply distressing incident when a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a dog while walking home from school. Mina Bestun sustained what police have described as “life-changing” injuries, prompting an immediate emergency response and renewed public attention on dangerous dog controls and enforcement. The attack occurred in broad daylight, just a short distance from the child’s home, underscoring how quickly and unexpectedly such incidents can unfold in familiar surroundings.
According to Greater Manchester Police, officers were called to Roseneath Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4. Emergency services attended swiftly, and Mina Bestun was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Armed response vehicles and the police dog unit were deployed as part of the response, reflecting the severity of the situation. Two dogs were detained at the scene, and police later confirmed that the dog believed to have carried out the attack was an XL bully type, a breed that has been banned in England since 2024.
Mina Bestun remained in hospital in the days following the attack, undergoing treatment and further medical assessment. Her family described the injuries as extensive and traumatic, with doctors placing her on antibiotics to prevent infection and planning additional surgery on her arm. The incident has drawn significant local and national attention, not only because of the child’s age and injuries, but also because it involves a breed already subject to legal restrictions.
The Attack and Immediate Emergency Response
Mina Bestun was walking home from school along Roseneath Road when the attack occurred just two houses away from where she lived. Speaking from hospital, she described the moment as sudden and frightening, saying that a large dog approached and bit her without warning. The brief distance from her home highlights how little opportunity there was for her to seek safety or assistance before being injured.
Neighbours witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene, distracting the dog in an effort to help Mina Bestun escape. Their actions were credited by the family as playing a crucial role in preventing further injury. Emergency services arrived shortly afterward, with police officers securing the area and paramedics providing urgent medical care before transporting the child to hospital.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that armed officers were sent to the scene alongside the force’s dog unit. Two dogs were detained, and the situation was brought under control. A spokesperson for the force stated that the injuries were believed to be life-changing, a classification that reflects the seriousness of the wounds and the potential long-term impact on the child’s health and mobility.
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The dog involved is believed to be an XL bully type. This classification is significant, as XL bully dogs were banned in England in 2024 following a series of high-profile attacks. Under current regulations, ownership of banned dogs is subject to strict controls, and incidents involving such breeds are treated with particular gravity by law enforcement.
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Police arrested the owners of the dogs, identified as a 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control. They were taken into custody while investigations continue. Authorities have stated that inquiries are ongoing, and no further details have been released regarding potential charges at this stage.
Medical Impact and Family Accounts
The physical toll of the attack on Mina Bestun has been described by her family as severe. Her mother, Soma Mohammed, told local media that her daughter suffered 13 tooth marks on her skin, four of which were deep. These injuries required hospital treatment and careful monitoring due to the risk of infection associated with dog bites. Mina was prescribed antibiotics to fight off bacteria, a standard but critical step in preventing complications.
Beyond the immediate wounds, the family has spoken about the emotional shock of the incident. Mina Bestun was still hospitalised days later, facing further surgery on her arm. Her father, Bestun Ibrahim, confirmed that another operation had been scheduled, indicating the complexity of the injuries and the need for ongoing medical intervention.
The family has expressed relief that the injuries were not to her face or torso, areas that could have resulted in even more severe or fatal consequences. At the same time, they have acknowledged that the damage already done is significant and may affect Mina Bestun for the rest of her life. Descriptions of the injuries as “life-changing” suggest the possibility of lasting physical impairment, scarring, or psychological trauma.
Mina Bestun herself has spoken with remarkable clarity about the incident, urging dog owners to take responsibility for their animals and ensure they are properly controlled. Her comments reflect both the shock of the experience and an awareness of how preventable such attacks can be when dogs are securely managed.
For the family, the days following the attack have been filled with hospital visits, medical decisions, and concern for their daughter’s recovery. They have also spoken about the importance of community response, noting that neighbours who intervened during the attack may have prevented further harm.
Investigation, Legal Context, and Wider Implications
The involvement of an XL bully type dog places this incident within a broader national context. England’s ban on XL bully dogs came into force in 2024 after a series of fatal and serious attacks raised concerns about public safety. Under the ban, ownership is heavily restricted, and dogs of this type are subject to strict conditions, including registration, insurance, and control measures such as muzzling in public.
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Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the dog involved is believed to fall within this banned category. The arrest of the owners on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control reflects the legal framework designed to address such risks. If the investigation confirms breaches of the law, the case could result in significant legal consequences, including criminal charges and further enforcement action.
Authorities have stated that inquiries are continuing, and police have appealed for information as part of their investigation. At this stage, details about how the dog came to be loose, whether control measures were in place, and whether the owners were complying with existing regulations have not been made public.
The case has reignited debate about dog ownership responsibilities, enforcement of breed-specific legislation, and community safety. While the ban on XL bully dogs was intended to reduce the risk of serious attacks, incidents such as this raise questions about compliance and oversight. They also highlight the importance of prompt reporting and intervention when dangerous dogs are seen roaming in residential areas.
For residents of Bolton and beyond, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when powerful dogs are not adequately controlled. The presence of armed police and specialist units at the scene illustrates how seriously such incidents are treated and the level of resources required to manage them safely.
As Mina Bestun continues her recovery, the focus remains on her health and wellbeing, as well as the outcome of the police investigation. Greater Manchester Police have reiterated that they are taking the matter seriously and will provide updates as appropriate. The case is likely to remain under close public scrutiny, given the age of the victim, the severity of the injuries, and the involvement of a banned breed.
The incident on Roseneath Road has left a lasting impact on a family and a community, and it continues to shape discussions around public safety, animal control, and the enforcement of existing laws in England.