A 20-month-old boy has been taken to hospital after being bitten by a suspected XL Bully dog in Greenwich.

The toddler was found injured in Catherine Grove at 10.10am yesterday (October 2).

He was taken to hospital for treatment where his injuries were assessed as not life threatening.

The owner of the dog, Thomas Ackah, of Old Kent Road, was charged with being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court today (October 3). 

Met Police Task Force (@MetTaskforce) confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the dog had been destroyed.

The dog was reported to be an XL Bully, however further tests are required to confirm this.

It comes just days after protests were staged across the UK opposing the ban of the American XL bully breed in the UK announced by Rishi Sunak in September.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “A man has been charged after a child was injured after being bitten by a dog in Greenwich.

"Police were called at 10:10hrs on Monday, 2 October to reports that a 20-month-old child has been bitten by a dog in Catherine Grove, SE10.

"Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

"The child was taken to hospital where his injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

"The dog and its owner were located by officers. The owner was arrested and the dog was seized and taken to police kennels.

"On Tuesday, 3 October, Thomas Ackah, (26.04.94), of Old Kent Road, SE1, was charged with being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

"He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 3 October.

"The dog was reported to be an XL Bully, however further tests are required to confirm this."

Met Police Taskforce (@MetTaskforce) tweeted: “On 02/10/23 a 20 month old boy was attacked by an XL Bully dog in the street in Greenwich.

“The dog was seized & has been put to sleep. The owner a 30 year old man has been arrested.

“Greenwich CID have charged him to court for allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control.

“The boys injuries have been treated at hospital. They are not life changing or threatening fortunately.

“We wish the victim all the best with his recovery and thoughts with his family.”