A dog, believed to be an "XL Bully type", has been shot dead by police after it allegedly attacked a man and a woman in Newtownards, County Down. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, prompting an emergency response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

A man and woman received first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment. Due to the risk posed to the public, specially trained officers "destroyed" the animal.

Footage shows armed officers approaching the property's passageway, using spray and discharging a shot as the dog stood on its hind legs. The area was cordoned off, with a significant police presence.

Reports suggest the dog was an  XL Bully type, a breed that is banned. DUP councillor Stephen McIlveen expressed concern over the incident. According to a PSNI statement, "Police attended a property in the Rathmullen Drive area of Newtownards on Thursday 3rd April, following a report that a dog attacked a man and a woman."

The statement continued, "The man and woman were given first aid for their injuries at the scene before being conveyed to hospital. The dog was destroyed by specially trained officers, due to the risk to the public."

The incident has been reported to the Police Ombudsman's office, as per standard procedure. Mr McIlveen expressed his concern about the "worrying news coming from the Scrabo this evening, with an XL bully type dog having to be killed by armed police".

He added: "I'm hoping that no one is seriously injured. It's terribly sad that an animal has been killed in this way, but a heavily populated area where there are young children is not a suitable place for dogs such as these that are known to pose such a risk."

Following a series of dog attacks, the XL Bully was banned in parts of the UK and this ban was extended to Northern Ireland at the beginning of this year. It is now illegal to own this breed without an exemption certificate.

To qualify for exemption, the dogs must be microchipped, licensed and have third-party insurance. The dogs must also be neutered as part of the exemption conditions, although this can be completed after the application is submitted.