Dog mauls man to death - before armed police shoot it dead

Armed police shot dead a 'dangerous' dog after it mauled a man to death. Officers were scrambled to a property in Leigh last night (Thursday) after the 'dangerously out of control' dog launched a ferocious attack on a man.

The dog was forced into a cabin in a yard at the rear of the property and when armed police arrived, the animal was shot dead.

It is believed the victim, 37, who suffered horrific head and neck injuries, was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead at around 2am.

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Police were called to the property at around 9.10pm following reports of 'concern for the welfare' of a man on Westleigh Lane in Leigh.

When officers arrived, they found the 37-year-old had suffered serious injuries believed to be caused by a dog which was 'dangerously out of control', according to GMP.

The force said in a statement: "GMP armed officers were deployed to attempt to control the dog and officers reviewed and actioned every available tactic to subdue the dog and bring it to safety. Due to the significant risk the dog posed to the members of the public, the dog was humanely destroyed."

The victim was taken to hospital but died during the early hours of Friday.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death. He remains in custody for further questioning.

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, of GMP’s Wigan district, said: "Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

"We recognise this incident will rightly