Shiney Row: Man dies in suspected American bully XL attack

A number of police cars were parked on Maple Terrace

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man died in a suspected American bully XL attack.

Ian Langley, 54, and originally from Liverpool, was fatally injured in Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring, at 19:00 BST on Tuesday.

A 44-year-old man arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody, police said.

The dog was shot dead at the scene and a second dog was also seized.

Police said they believed both animals were bully XL breeds.

• What is an American bully XL and why are they being banned?

Residents said they saw paramedics working on Mr Langley's badly-injured throat in the aftermath of the attack.

There was visible police activity in the street

Linda Blyth, who lives in Maple Terrace, said the incident happened on a grassy area behind her home.

She said police responded in large numbers and officers told residents to go inside.

"We were told 'go in, shut your doors' and then I heard the gun shot," she said.

The dog was shot in the owner's yard.

"I don't know what set the dog off, everyone is speculating," she said.

"It was awful to see, you don't expect it on your doorstep," she added, after witnessing the paramedics attending to Mr Langley.

People have left floral tributes at the scene

A local dog owner, who asked not to be named, said he often saw two bully XLs being walked in the area.

He said he saw the man's throat had been injured, and then "heard a girl screaming for the police, saying the man was dying.

"The man got put in the ambulance and they were working on him here for about 10 minutes before they set off."

Police cordoned off the scene of the attack in Shiney Row

Det Ch Insp Angela Hudson, of Northumbria Police, said there was no wider threat to the public and those involved were "known to each other".

"Our thoughts remain with Ian's family and loved ones, as we continue to support them at this tragic time," she said.

"Our investigation is ongoing, as we look to get answers for Ian's family around what has happened.

"I would urge any further witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact police as soon as possible.

"I would also continue to ask people not to speculate about the incident online, including on social media, while inquiries continue."

Police said Mr Langley died "despite the efforts of hospital medics to save his life".

Eyewitnesses said the man's throat was injured in the attack

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to ban the bully XL breed by the end of the year under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a series of attacks.

A spokesman for Mr Sunak previously said a "transition period" would be introduced, with details likely to follow a consultation on the plan.

Owners could face a requirement to neuter their dogs and muzzle them in public, the government's chief vet has suggested.