A dog seized after an assault that left two men with serious injuries was an ‘XL Bully’, police have said.

Both men were left with serious injuries after the incident at about 3.30pm on Saturday (October 7) in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough, on South Terrace at the end of the road closest to Kings Street.

One of the victims, 36, was left with injuries to his head, mouth, fingers, and legs, while the other, 31, sustained puncture wounds consistent with dog bites.

Read more: Family's heartbreak after 'perfect' daughter tragically ends her own life

Both men were left needing hospital treatment at James Cook University Hospital. Their condition was described as serious, but not life-threatening.

Police seized two dogs from a nearby property and arrested two men, aged 30 and 54, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They were taken into police custody for questioning and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers have since confirmed one of those dogs is “described as an XL Bully in appearance”, while the other is said to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Enquiries will be made to confirm the breeds as part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information about the incident, or CCTV/doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 200064.

It comes less than a week after a man was mauled to death by an XL Bully in Shiney Row, near Sunderland.

Ian Langley, 54, died after suffering severe neck injuries in an attack on Tuesday (October 3) evening.

Northumbria Police said the dog’s owner, aged 44, was originally arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but was re-arrested on suspicion of murder. On Thursday (October 5), officers said he had been released on bail pending further inquiries.

It is understood Mr Langley was walking his Patterdale puppy, Beau, when the fatal alleged attack happened.

Read next:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here.

The puppy bolted but was rescued and is now being looked after by a friend of his, according to reports.

Police shot the dog “to ensure the safety of the public” and took another dog, also believed to be an XL bully, into custody.

A vigil to Mr Langley was held on Sunday evening.