By FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 21:24 GMT, 8 January 2026 | Updated: 02:15 GMT, 9 January 2026

Distressing footage shows the moment a woman was set upon by a 'Bully-type' dog and forcefully dragged to the ground, as she desperately tried to free herself from the vicious animal.

Police on Thursday night confirmed a 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control, while the animal has been seized, following the horrifying incident in Bolton, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday afternoon. 

Video of the attack shows a man walking with the dog, which was on a lead and unmuzzled, in a green area close to Rawsthorne Park.

Seconds later, a woman emerges from around the corner and walks casually towards the animal. Without warning, the dog then charges at the pedestrian, slamming into her and knocking her to the floor.

As the woman tries to get to her feet and flee, the animal lunges again and tackles her to the ground.

Throughout the attack the owner can be seen still holding the lead and attempting to drag the animal away from the woman. 

Eventually the dog releases the woman's arm and she is able to stand up before walking away.  

The attack lasts roughly a minute, before the woman manages to stand up and walk away.

Distressing footage shows the moment a woman was set upon by a 'Bully-type' dog and forcefully dragged to the ground in Bolton, Greater Manchester

As the woman tried to get to her feet, the animal lunged again and tackled her to the ground

The attack lasted roughly a minute, before the woman managed to stand up and walk away

On Thursday evening, Bolton Police issued an update stating that a man had been arrested, while the dog had been seized. Investigations are ongoing to identify the breed of the animal. 

A statement said: 'Yesterday afternoon, January 7, a report was made of an out-of-control dog biting a woman on Newton Walk. The woman suffered minor injuries.

'This afternoon, officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team attended an address near Halliwell Road and have seized the dog believed to be involved in the attack. 

'We have also arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control.

'The dog has been taken to secure kennels to be cared for whilst the investigation continues. The man remains in police custody for questioning.'

Bolton Council has also been made aware of the incident. 

Local councillor Safwaan Patel said: 'We have been made aware of a dog attack on a lady in Halliwell.

'We have contacted the police to report the incident and have also shared the footage.