Shocking video footage has captured the moment an XL Bully dog died protecting its owner during an alleged murder attempt by a machete-wielding gang at an Aberdeen park on Sunday evening.
The 51-year-old victim remains in hospital with serious injuries following the brutal attack at Eric Hendrie Park – known locally as ‘the Woodies’ – in the Mastrick area of the city at 8.30pm. Police Scotland have launched an attempted murder investigation as they hunt for the armed gang who fled the scene.
Disturbing footage circulating among local residents shows the man being ambushed by multiple attackers dressed in dark clothing, with at least one wielding what appears to be a machete. The loyal XL Bully fought desperately to defend its owner, attacking the armed assailants before being fatally struck.
Gang Ambush Caught on Camera
Multiple videos captured from different angles reveal the terrifying sequence of events that unfolded at the popular community park on Deveron Road. The footage shows a man in a short-sleeved shirt being set upon by a group of men in dark clothing as a white Mini races into view with its passenger door open.
One attacker, dressed head-to-toe in black, can be seen holding what appears to be a machete aloft before striking at the victim, who falls backwards. A man dressed in blue clothing joins the assault as they rush towards their target.
In harrowing scenes, the victim is shown kneeling in front of the Mini as his attackers close in. The machete-wielding assailant appears to take another swing whilst the car continues revving its engine menacingly in the background.
Brave Dog’s Fatal Defence
As the attack intensifies, the victim’s XL Bully bursts into frame, launching itself at the armed attacker. The dog’s brave intervention appears to momentarily disrupt the assault, with footage showing the animal pursuing the machete-wielding man down a small hill near the children’s play area.
Despite being struck multiple times by the blade, the courageous dog continued its defence, barking and attempting to jump onto the bonnet of the getaway car whilst attacking the assailants from behind. The animal’s relentless protection of its owner continued even as the white Mini drove erratically through the park towards nearby Deveron Road.
For over a minute, the car was seen driving in circles on the grass with the XL Bully in pursuit, accompanied by another man who appeared to be armed with a knife. The vehicle eventually mounted the road with a loud crunch as its bodywork hit the tarmac, prompting one shocked eyewitness to exclaim: “F****** nightmare.”
The footage ends with the Mini drawing to a stop as the injured dog continues circling, its fate already sealed by the fatal wounds it had sustained whilst protecting its owner.
Victim in Serious Condition
The 51-year-old man was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where medical staff described his condition as “serious but stable. Police Scotland confirmed he had attended hospital following the incident but have not disclosed the exact nature of his injuries.
Detective Sergeant Emma Low, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation is at an early stage to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident. Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing in the area to trace everyone involved.”
The force confirmed that the victim’s XL Bully had died as a result of the disturbance but clarified that the man had not been struck by the vehicle, despite its presence at the scene.
Community Park Turned Crime Scene
Eric Hendrie Park, a long-established green space in the Mastrick area of Aberdeen, consists of open grass areas, mature trees, a children’s play area and a network of paths linking to the surrounding community. The park is managed by the SPRING community group, who have worked to improve the area and foster community spirit.
The violent attack has shocked local residents, many of whom use the park regularly for walking and recreation. Parts of Deveron Road remained cordoned off on Monday as forensic teams conducted their investigation.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This park is usually so peaceful. Families come here with their kids, people walk their dogs. To see something like this happen is absolutely terrifying. That poor dog died trying to save its owner – it’s heartbreaking.
Hunt for Armed Gang
Police Scotland has launched a major investigation to trace those responsible for the attack, with no arrests made at the time of publication. The force is treating the incident as attempted murder and has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
“Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact officers through 101 quoting incident number 3236 of 27 July, 2025,” Detective Sergeant Low said. “Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The shocking incident comes amid ongoing debates about XL Bully ownership in Scotland. While England and Wales introduced restrictions on the breed in February 2024, requiring owners to obtain exemption certificates, Scotland has taken a different approach, focusing on irresponsible ownership rather than breed-specific legislation.
Previous Violence at Park
This is not the first serious incident at Eric Hendrie Park. In November 2023, a 42-year-old man was found injured at the park in the early hours of the morning in what was later revealed to be a crossbow attack. Alan Bruce, 51, subsequently appeared in court charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with that incident.
Local community groups have previously worked to improve safety and reduce vandalism at the park, but Sunday’s brutal attack represents an alarming escalation in violence.
As the investigation continues, the heroic actions of the XL Bully have not gone unnoticed, with many highlighting how the animal’s loyalty and bravery likely prevented an even more tragic outcome. The dog’s ultimate sacrifice in defending its owner serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bond between humans and their canine companions.
Police Scotland continues to appeal for anyone with information about the attack to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
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