Man mauled and killed by two XL Bully dogs 'was protecting his elderly mum'

A Staffordshire man who was killed by two suspected XL Bully dogs was trying to protect his elderly mum, it has been claimed.

Just after 3pm on Thursday (14 September), the West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Main Street in Stonnall after Ian Price, 52, was left seriously injured.

The ambulance service later confirmed that Price did not survive the brutal attack.

A spokesman said on Friday morning (15 September): “Upon arrival we found a man who had sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and was in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff administered advanced life support and advanced trauma care to him at the scene.

“Treatment continued en route to Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was conveyed by land ambulance for further treatment.

“Unfortunately, after arrival at hospital, despite the best efforts it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him (and) he was confirmed deceased.”

PA

A 30-year-old man, from Lichfield, who was initially arrested on suspicion of dangerous animal offences has been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Detectives have since confirmed that the two dogs are both dead, though investigations continue to confirm whether they belong to the XL Bully breed.

Since the devastating incident, one neighbour told The Sun that the owner of the dogs that killed Ian was 'in the habit' of leaving them at home.

He apparently turned up to the scene after the incident, with police vehicles already present.

Another source, who claimed to have witnessed the attack first-hand, told the outlet: "The dogs live next door. They have been there about a year.

"They got through the hedge behind the house and appeared in the elderly lady’s garden. Her son had gone out to protect her.

"We think the dogs were at home on their own because there were no cars outside at the time. I guess they escaped through a window."

Staffordshire Police

It it is understood several people tried to removed the dogs from Ian, but they were unsuccessful to do so and he had already suffered serious injuries.

Investigation are ongoing to determine more details.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced earlier on Friday that XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year.

Part of his address on social media said: "The American XL Bully Dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children.

"It’s clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it’s a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on."