XL Bully dog attack on boy leaves police officer traumatised as he 'thinks of chaotic scene most days'

A police officer who responded to an XL Bully attack on a 10-year-old boy has said there are "not many days" when he does not think about what he saw.

Sergeant Ross Phillips was the first to arrive at the "very chaotic scene" inside a property in Caerphilly, South Wales in November 2021.

Jack Lis, 10, died following the attack which led his mother, Emma Whitfield to campaign for new dog legislation.

Brandon Hayden, 19, and Amy Salter, 29, were jailed in June 2022 after admitting being in charge of the dog - called Beast - at the time.

Sergeant Ross Phillips of Gwent Police responded to the incident with his colleague Sergeant Isabelle Coulson.

"It was a very chaotic scene to say the least," Sergeant Phillips told Sky News.

"It was unclear exactly what was going on at that point. It quickly became apparent that the young lad, Jack Lis, was still inside the premises and the dog was also inside with him.

"So it was just a question of obviously managing that scene, getting Jack out of the house, and securing the dog before it could get to any other members of the public."

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The officers worked together with Sergeant Coulson distracting the dog by "knocking on the window" as Sergeant Phillips to retrieved Jack from the house.

Despite being transferred to paramedics, Jack sadly died at the scene.

Sergeant Phillips said the incident "definitely stands out" in his 20-year career.

"It's just really sad for Jack's mother, and the rest of his family," he said.

"Not many days go past when you don't think about it at some point."

Both Sergeant Phillips and Sergeant Coulson have now been nominated for a St David Award in the bravery category.

Sergeant Phillips said he is "very grateful" to have been nominated, but added: "I don't consider it a particularly brave thing, just doing your job."