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The breed of the dog that attacked an 83-year-old woman in Penyrheol earlier this month has been identified by police.

The large black XL bully cross cane corso breed was seized and put down by police officers following the attack, which happened at an address on Heol Fawr at around 3.15pm on Saturday, December 3.

The woman remains in hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries, while a 55-year-old man was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The breed of dog is not banned by the Dangerous Dog Act, meaning it is legal to own in the UK.

No other animals were involved in the attack, police confirmed.

A 20-year-old man, 25-year-old man, 31-year-old man, and a 28-year-old woman, all from the Caerphilly area, were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

They have all been released under conditional bail.

The incident happened just over a year after ten-year-old Jack Lis was killed in another dog attack in Penyrheol.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer, of Gwent Police, said: “Officers will be making further enquiries as the investigation progresses.

“It is possible that you may see ongoing police activity in Caerphilly as part of this work, but please do not be alarmed.

“If you have concerns or any information regarding this dog and its previous behaviour then please do stop and talk with us.”

Gwent Police can be contacted on 101, quoting log reference 2200407170, or through direct message on Facebook or Twitter.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Gwent Police said the incident had been reported to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) “in line with our normal procedures”.