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 cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.
"We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation."
He urged members of the public to get in touch if they had information about the 'distressing incident'.
This morning, police remained at the scene of the property, on Westleigh Lane in Leigh. Neighbours have spoken of their shock.
"I was sat in my window and I heard two ambulances with their blues twos on," one person said. "They careered into the yard, both drove in there. Then a police car came and parked on the road.
"More police vehicles arrived - I counted about six polices parked all over the road. There was also a police van and a smaller van that looked like a dog unit.
"There were all here until the early hours, at least 1am. Then at 6am this morning another police car came and parked across the road.
"I had no idea what was happening, but I knew it was something serious due to the response and how long they were here."
Another resident said: "There were so many ambulances and police cars. There were all down the street. And loads and have been coming and going since.
"I was up until 1am trying to see what had happened. I've no idea but you couldn’t imagine how many police and ambulances there were so it’s obviously not good and something very serious. It's very sad."
A woman said: "I was sat on the sofa and I saw two ambulance come up first and two police cars following. Then I saw the ambulance turn in. Then more police cars turned up.
"Later on officers wearing black caps got out, one was holding a big gun and one had a gun by his side. It's just awful. So sad, but also frightening happening so close."
Another neighbour said: "I fell asleep on the couch as I do and when I came round there were police cars all over the road.
"I had no idea what was going on. But later I heard two gunshots. I know guns sound like and they were definitely gunshots. I have a dog myself and it's very sensitive to sound, so it startled both of us."
Appealing to the public for information, Det Supt Hurst added: "You can report information to GMP on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023. You can also report information to us online using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk
"Alternatively, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"This is a distressing incident which has resulted in the sad passing of a man and we are determined to ensure this does not happen again in our community.
"If you think someone has or is breeding dangerous dogs, please report it online on by calling 101.
"For more information about dangerous dogs in the UK, please visit our advice page: www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ac/animal-crime/"
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