Man charged after fatal XL bully attack

Ian Langley died of his injuries in hospital

A man has been charged in connection with a fatal XL bully attack.

Ian Langley, 54, originally from Liverpool, died in hospital last October after he was injured by the dog outside a house on Maple Terrace in Sunderland's Shiney Row area.

Christopher Bell, 45, of De La Pole Avenue, Hull, has been charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

The dog was destroyed at the scene "to ensure the safety of the public", Northumbria Police said.

A law introduced in February bans people from owning XL bully breeds without an exemption certificate.

Mr Bell is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on 18 October.

Det Ch Insp Jason Henry, of Northumbria Police, paid tribute to Mr Langley's family for their "strength and patience" during the "complex" investigation.

He added: "We recognise the impact this tragedy had on the wider community and would like to thank all those who have helped with the investigation."

He urged people to avoid speculation online to avoid jeopardising legal proceedings.