An eight-month-old girl has been airlifted to hospital in a serious condition after being attacked by an XL Bully, described by a family member as “normally a very friendly dog”.

Emergency services were called to a property in Siskin Close, Hawkinge just before 2.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) following reports a baby had been bitten.

The infant, called Arabella, was flown to a hospital in London, where she remains under medical care.

Police have confirmed the dog, identified as a registered XL Bully breed type, was seized and destroyed.

A police spokesperson said: “An 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. They remain in custody while enquiries continue.

“Officers will remain in the area while enquiries are carried out and to provide reassurance to the local community.”

The woman is understood to be Arabella’s great-grandmother and the attack reportedly took place inside her house. The 18-year-old is understood to be Arabella’s uncle.

Speaking at the scene this morning, Arabella’s great-uncle Martin Williams told KentOnline that the dog was an 18-month-old “pure” XL Bully named Hunter.

He said: “I am very surprised the attack happened as Hunter is normally a very friendly dog. But it’s in their nature to be aggressive.”

Police and forensics officers were in the street yesterday evening, with up to nine patrol cars spotted at the scene.

A row of houses remains taped off this morning, with a police car parked outside and officer guarding the cordon.

A builder working nearby told KentOnline this morning: "I've been working here since March and it's normally an incredibly quiet area.

“So when we saw a huge emergency services presence yesterday we were shocked and were wondering what was happening.

“We have since heard about the baby girl involved in the incident and it sounds absolutely horrific."

More as we get it.