Police forced to eliminate XL Bully after man, 53, killed by his own pet

Officers shot the pet on the scene as they felt they had "no alternative" and wanted to protect others.

Supt Marie Jackson, of East Police, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

"An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch

"We will have extra officers out and about in the area carrying out enquiries and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them."

Last week, a teenager was rushed to hospital after being mauled by an XL Bully at an address in Crewe.

A 17-year-old boy was found, with injuries which are not believed to be life-changing, in Rolls Avenue.

MORE XL BULLIES:

• XL Bully dog attack leaves teenager hospitalised as vicious assaults from breed continue
• XL bully ban: Dog behaviour expert issues chilling warning as new rules come into force
• Teenager feared she would die after being mauled by XL Bully - but disagrees with ban

Officers say the dog, which was an XL Bully, was seized from the property.

The victim was taken to Leighton Hospital following the attack and a 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

The attacks come despite it being a criminal offence in England and Wales to own the banned breed without an exemption certificate - which was implemented in February.

Former Metropolitan Police Head of Policy for Dangerous Dogs, Simon Ovens claims there are "a number of flaws" in legislation that put people at risk.

He told The Sun that he believes XL Bully dogs may need to be surrendered or euthanised due to the risk they pose, which he compares to a gun, and says they "shouldn’t be living among us".

When the previous government announced the XL bully ban for England and Wales in late 2023, it said the breed had been "disproportionately involved" in deaths recorded since 2021.

Police can seize unregistered prohibited dogs, and their owners face up to six months in jail and/or an unlimited fine.