Eyewitnesses have spoken of their horror after a tiny chihuahua was attacked and killed by a giant American XL Bully dog.

The attack, which occurred in Crane Park, was the latest in a number of vicious attacks associated with the powerful muscle-bound breed.

The killing has triggered a furious reaction from people living in Twickenham with many fearful that a child could be attacked with horrendous consequences.

One eye-witness to the attack said: "I was there when it happened and I don't think I will ever get over watching a chihuahua being eaten by an XL Bully.

"The chihuahua did not ask for that it didn't bark. I didn't do anything it just came too close to a clearly dangerous dog in a public park."

Image of dog at centre of attack posted on social media by worried residents. Credit: Nextdoor.

Yoda's owner, Gina Frost, posted a warning on social media, saying: "A lot of you may know our little darling little chihuahua Yoda… a lot of children play with him on the green after school.

"He was mauled and killed this morning by 2 XL Bully dogs at Crane Park.

"These dogs have also been attacking other dogs but unfortunately our darling dog was killed in a horrific manner.

"Keep your children and dogs away if you see these dogs. And please report any experiences with the dogs to the police."

She added: "We are heartbroken."

Gina told Nub News: "People need to know their animals and kids are not safe."

The attack involved one of two XL Bully dogs that were apparently were being walked by someone described as a professional dog walker. However, the breed is so large and powerful that they can be difficult to control, even when they are on a lead.

News of the attack triggered anger and sorrow among residents in the area. Writing on Nextdoor, one said: "Being a close-knit community, Twickenham has become aware that this dog has a history of attacking and showing aggression towards other dogs."

An image of the dog blamed for the attack has been posted online.

A woman from Teddington, describing herself as the step-mother of the female owner of the XL bully, complained she has been targeted following the killing of Yoda.

She said: "I am deeply saddened by the loss experienced by the owner of the deceased dog. As a fellow dog owner, I can't even fathom the immense pain and sorrow they must be going through."

However, she claimed there have been some misconceptions about the attack, saying the dogs were not being walked by the owners at the time.

She said: "Upon learning about the tragic incident, the owners took immediate action by contacting the police."

The woman said her stepdaughter has been subjected to threats following the attack, which have been reported to the police.

Cavapoo called Clive was blinded in one eye in attack by XL Bully in Richmond Park. (Credit Clare Linette Hayes)

This is not the first time an American XL Bully has been associated with an attack in the area. In March, a small Cavapoo lost an eye in an attack by one of the dogs in Richmond Park, while there have been several other attacks involving the breed around the country.

There have been calls for the breed to be banned outright following evidence they have been involved in the majority of fatal dog attacks in the UK since 2021.

Stan Rawlinson, a dog behaviourist with more than 20 years of experience, specialises in dog aggression.

He recently told MailOnline that the XL Bully is 'very, very reactive' and warned deaths caused by the breed could soar in the coming months and years.

Echoing warnings by vets, Mr Rawlinson explained: "This is only going to get worse.

"They could kill you in about a minute and the worst thing is no one knows how many there are in the UK.

"Amateurs are tinkering with DNA, giving these dogs enhanced muscles, trying to create monsters. And they've managed it. It's going to get considerably worse."

Dr Lawrence Newport, a law and criminology lecturer at Royal Holloway University recently published a detailed report on the XL Bully.

He said that the dog's breeding for fighting posed a big risk to children. 

"The past two years has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of people killed by dogs, including several children," he said.

The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for a statement.