An "aggressive" XL Bully dog remains on the loose after evading armed police on Thursday in Sheffield, South Yorkshire Police has warned. Officers were sent to investigate reports of gunfire in the Hillfoots area of the city on Thursday just after 10pm, when they encountered the dog, which was reportedly displaying hostile behaviour.

Forensic testing of blood found at the scene suggests the dog was injured as it fled, while two other dogs were detained and taken to police kennels. Authorities have contacted veterinary practices across the Sheffield area to try and track down the animal.

A police statement said: "Shooting a dog is never a decision taken lightly by our armed officers.

"During what was already a challenging incident, and the risk posed, the decision was made to shoot the dog to progress finding a suspect and weapon and protecting our communities.

"We now believe the dog to have suffered injuries and are urging the public to be vigilant for a loose XL Bully, but also one that may have succumb to its injuries or been taken somewhere for treatment.

The statement continued: "We have contacted all veterinary practices as part of our enquiries but continue to ask anyone who has received a dog into their care, they believe could be this dog to come forward.

"If you see the dog, we continue to urge you not to approach it, as we believe it has the ability to show aggression and cause harm."

Officers were called to the area on Thursday night at 10:04pm after neighbours reported gunshots outside a house on Daniel Hill Street in Walkley, according to YorkshireLive. Several hours later, a road traffic collision in Rivelin was reported, and three people were arrested in connection with the two incidents.

On Friday, police warned local residents to be "vigilant". In a statement it said: "We’re asking for the public to be vigilant for an XL Bully that could be loose in our communities, or for anyone with information about where it may be being kept to come forward and assist us with our investigation," the appeal read.

"The dog became loose in the Hillfoot area of Sheffield last night, following a firearms discharge. We know that hearing about a dog on the loose can cause concern in our communities and we assure you we are doing all we can to find the dog."