A friend of the man who died after being mauled by a dog believed to be an XL bully has said he ‘had no chance’ against the ‘big dog’.
Ian Langley, 54, who lived in Shiney Row near Sunderland, suffered severe neck injuries in the attack on Tuesday (3 October) evening and died in hospital.
The dog was shot by officers from Northumbria Police at the scene 'to ensure the safety of the public', the force said.
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“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL bully breed,” the force added.
Northumbria Police said the dog’s owner, aged 44, was originally arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
On Thursday, officers said this man had been released on bail pending further inquiries.
It’s been reported that Mr Langley was walking his Patterdale terrier puppy, Beau, when the fatal alleged attack happened.
The dog survived the attack.
Mr Langley’s friend, Michael Kennedy, said on Wednesday: “He was a really nice lad, he came from Liverpool, he was a lovable rogue you might say."
He added: "He was a very caring fella.
“The reason I am speaking to you (the press) is because I don’t want his name to be tarnished, he doesn’t deserve that. I am heartbroken.
“He never did any harm, he was not a violent person, he wasn’t a hard man, he wasn’t the type to go looking for trouble.
“He was really thin, he would have no chance against a big dog.”
After police officially named the victim, Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson said: “Our thoughts remain with Ian’s family and loved ones, as we continue to support them at this tragic time.
“Our investigation is ongoing, as we look to get answers for Ian’s family around what has happened.”
Mr Langley’s death comes after it was announced XL bullies would be banned in the UK following a spate of attacks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that he would be pushing for the matter to be dealt with later this year.
He said: "The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.
"Today, I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks, with a view to then outlawing it.
"It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast.
"We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act and new laws will be in place by the end of the year.
"These dogs are dangerous. I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe."
Topics: UK News
Claire Reid