Man dies after being attacked by his dog in England

Police say dog responsible, believed to have been a pit bull terrier, has been put down

Police at the scene in Dundonald Street in Preston, Lancashire, where a 22 year old man was bitten and killed by a dog. Photograph: PA
Police at the scene in Dundonald Street in Preston, Lancashire, where a 22 year old man was bitten and killed by a dog. Photograph: PA

A man has died in England after being attacked by his dog.

The 22-year-old, named on Facebook as Liam Hewitson, was bitten by the animal in Preston, Lancashire Police said.

He was treated by paramedics at a terraced house in Dundonald Street, but subsequently died from his injuries.

One young man, who said he was the victim’s cousin, said “he had an epileptic fit” at the time of the attack on Friday.

READ SOME MORE

The victim’s girlfriend Jessica Hill told the Daily Mail newspaper she had “no words. I’m too devastated to speak. I just love and miss him so much,” she said.

Chantelle Hewitson (25) from Ingol, Preston, also a cousin of the victim, said: “Everyone is in shock. He was such a good lad, so respectful it’s heartbreaking.

“We will always love him and keep him in all our memories.”

Ms Hewitson wrote: “Rest In peace little cousin so heartbreaking you with your beautiful mum now Liam rest in paradise love you always xxxx”.

Groups of youths left bunches of flowers at the scene.

Two bouquets of flowers had been tied to a nearby lamppost as police cars lined the street.

Police have not specified what breed of dog was involved but reports suggested it was a pit bull terrier named Tiger.

It was taken from the address and put down by a vet.

Detective Inspector Jane Webb of Preston CID said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances and my thoughts very much remain with his family who are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.”

PA