Lancashire Police has issued an apology after mistakenly killing an XL Bully, that was seized in Morecambe.

In August, police seized Bruno as part of its powers under the dangerous dogs act, as XL Bully dogs are now a banned breed.

It is understood that his owners were planning to go to court to ask for an exemption. Police confirmed the dog was euthanised “due to an administration error”, before the court hearing.

Police say they met with the dog’s owner in person and apologised. The force also sent an email of apology.

Officers say they have reviewed what happened and had introduced a process “to ensure the same mistake cannot be made again”.

A police spokesperson said: “In August we seized an XL Bully dog from an address in Morecambe as part of our powers under the dangerous dogs act 1991 as XL Bully dogs are a banned breed.

“A file was being prepared for consideration of the owner being prosecuted at courts for the relevant offences, however, unfortunately, due to an administration error the dog was subsequently euthanised before the court hearing.

“We have met with the dog’s owner and offered him a full and unreserved apology for what happened. We are deeply sorry for the understandable distress our error must have caused.

“We have reviewed what happened and we have introduced a process to ensure the same mistake cannot be made again.”

“From February 1 this year it has been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption, third party insurance, with the dog muzzled and on a lead in a public place. If not, police may have the power to seize it and prosecute the owner.”