Firefighter Hospitalised After Ravenscourt Park Dog Attack |
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Had been called to the scene to deal with group using disposable BBQ August 15, 2026 A firefighter was injured in Ravenscourt Park earlier this month after being bitten by a dog while responding to reports of people having a barbecue. The attack happened on Monday 3 August at around 8.25pm. Fire crews had been called to the park to deal with a group using a disposable barbecue, which have since been banned nationwide due to the increased risk of wildfires. As firefighters approached, a dog that had been tied to a tree broke free and attacked one of the crew, biting him on the upper arm through his protective tunic and causing puncture wounds. The injured firefighter was taken to hospital, and the fire engine was forced out of service for two and a half hours while a replacement crew member was found. The firefighter has not yet returned to full duties. Police say they are trying to trace the owner or person responsible for the dog, described as an XL Bully‑type, stocky and muscular, just over two feet tall and dark brown in colour. PC Joanne Day, from the Hammersmith & Fulham Ravenscourt Ward team, is leading the appeal. She said the attack had serious consequences for both the firefighter and emergency response in the borough, and urged anyone who was in the park at the time to come forward. Information can be sent directly to joanne.day@met.police.uk, quoting crime reference 01/7899179/26. The Metropolitan Police are asking residents to share the appeal widely to help identify the dog’s owner.
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