Ella Dowling’s face bitten in drunken attack on bus
Ella Dowling recovers after brutal face-biting bus attack
A 19-year-old woman in the UK endured a severe injury after a stranger bit her face during a drunken altercation. Police reported that the incident happened last year, and the victim, Ella Dowling, is recuperating from significant bite injuries after undergoing surgery.
The assault began with a verbal argument on a moving bus between Dowling and 53-year-old Darren Taylor. Taylor allegedly made inappropriate remarks about Dowling and her friends, which quickly escalated. When the bus stopped at the Promenade, Dowling attempted to leave, but Taylor lunged and bit her face multiple times. This brutal attack lasted about five minutes, severely injuring Dowling.
Ella Dowling, a social work student at Portsmouth University from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, described the intense pain and trauma she experienced. She compared Taylor’s attack to a dog shaking a toy, noting that she had to hold his head to prevent further damage to her face. The first time she saw her reflection post-attack, she could not recognise herself and avoided mirrors for months.
"I couldn't scream": Teenager has part of her face "bitten off" by stranger on bus https://t.co/qjE1vY72cP pic.twitter.com/Rix2U2unNm
— NationalWorld (@NationalWorld) October 18, 2024
Bystanders and friends intervened, helping Dowling until the police arrived, and Taylor was apprehended for causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Dowling’s injuries included visible bite marks and scars, with significant damage to her face. She was rushed to Cheltenham General Hospital and later transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for emergency surgery, requiring 50 stitches.
In March 2024, Taylor pleaded guilty to the charges. On 18 July, he received a sentence of six years and nine months in prison along with a lifelong restraining order. Dowling, now diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has not taken a bus since the attack and needs constant reassurance for her safety, often staying connected with her mother or a friend when she goes out.
Detective Constable Sophie McGough, the investigating officer, acknowledged the severity of Dowling’s injuries and expressed relief that Taylor is now behind bars. She praised Dowling’s bravery throughout the ordeal and thanked the public for their assistance in detaining Taylor before the police arrived. Dowling continues to recover at home, dealing with both physical and mental scars from her traumatic experience.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NDTV reports a horrific incident where Darren Taylor, 53, bit off part of a 19-year-old girl’s face on a bus, leaving her with severe injuries and lasting trauma.(read more)
- The Telegraph reports on the terrifying attack where a 19-year-old girl, Ella Dowling, needed 50 stitches after a stranger bit off part of her nose on a bus, highlighting the shocking brutality and need for greater public safety measures.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Ella Dowling?
Ella Dowling was bitten on the face by a stranger during a drunken altercation.
Who attacked Ella Dowling?
Ella Dowling was attacked by 53-year-old Darren Taylor.
What were the consequences for Darren Taylor?
Darren Taylor was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison and given a lifelong restraining order.
How did the attack affect Ella Dowling?
Ella Dowling suffered severe facial injuries, needed surgery, and was diagnosed with PTSD.
Where did the attack on Ella Dowling take place?
The attack took place on a bus that stopped at the Promenade.
