Sheila McVeigh, 74, from St James' Road in West Belfast, was attacked by two terrier dogs in an alleyway last Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred as she walked a short distance to visit her sister-in-law on St Katharine's Road. The dogs bit her legs and hands, pinning her against a wall.

Neighbour Martin Killyleagh heard her screams and used a brush to drive the dogs away. They then ran off. McVeigh received treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital, where nurses cut her trousers due to swelling, administered pain relief, a tetanus injection and drips, and stitched her wounds. She remained there until 2.30am.

Neighbour Mohammed Sourri assisted when one wound bled again on Friday night. McVeigh's nephew contacted the dog warden. The dogs' owner informed her that the animals have been destroyed.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson confirmed the Dog Warden service knows of the attack on 2 April 2026 in the St James Road area. The council stated it cannot comment further during the ongoing investigation.