Featured Image Credit: Family Handout
Topics: Dogs, Crime, Social Media, UK News
Ella Scott
Police have addressed a chilling 999 call that featured in viral footage showing a man being viscously attacked by two dogs.
Last Thursday (14 September), 52-year-old Ian Price was attacked and mauled by two dogs, thought to be XL bullys, in the Staffordshire village of Stonnall.
It’s believed he was attempting to protect his elderly mother when he was mauled.
Allegedly, the duo of XL bully dogs - a breed which is now set to be banned by the end of the year - had escaped from a neighbouring property before proceeding to attack the Aston Villa supporter.
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Following the incident, Price, who ran a hard surface repair company, was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
As per a JustGiving page set up in his name, the father-of-two ‘suffered life-threatening injuries after being attacked’.
However, despite ‘the best efforts of medics’ he was later pronounced dead.
Footage thought to be of the fatal attack has since been posted on social media and a horrifying call to the authorities can be heard in the background.
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The 999 call opened with an onlooker stating: “Hello there, yep …” before giving the property address where the mauling was taking place.
“... and there’s two dogs attacking a man … very, very serious …” they continued.
Following the attack, the owner of the dogs was arrested by Staffordshire Police on suspicion of manslaughter and for owning dangerous, out-of-control dogs.
They were subsequently released on bail on Saturday morning.
The local police force has since made a statement in regard to the alleged footage and the 999 call being shared across social media, urging people to not repost the upsetting content.
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As per local news publication Express & Star, a spokesperson said: "We are aware that video footage of the recent dog attack in Stonnall where a man sadly died is now being circulated on social media.
"This was a horrendous incident and we understand that the impact felt by the local community is large.
"However, we would urge anyone with footage of the attack to not post or share it on social media for the sake of the victim’s family.
"It’s important that anyone with video evidence from this incident send it to us instead. Please call us on 101 quoting incident number 405 of 14 September.
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"Alternatively you can message us using Live Chat on our website – orlo.uk/lFjXp or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Following the tragic incident, Price’s friend Rob Ellwood has taken to the JustGiving page to call the 52-year-old a ‘loving husband’ and ‘friend to all who knew him’.
“A pillar of the community, Ian will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He would have done anything for anyone, he was a patriot, a gentleman, a tradesman and a scholar,” he continued. “Godspeed our wonderful friend.”
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has surpassed its £500 target by 3760 percent - with a total of £18,802 raised in the keen golfer's memory.
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You can find the JustGiving page set up in Price’s memory here.