A pensioner has died after being attacked by an XL Bully dog in Warrington, Cheshire.
The 84-year-old man succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, March 30, after fighting for more than a month following the attack.
The incident occurred on Monday, February 24, when the man was walking along Bardsley Avenue.
He sustained serious injuries during the attack, which took place in the front garden of someone's home.
The victim had been walking when he was attacked by the dog, which had reportedly escaped from a nearby home.
Armed police responded to the scene at around 6.40pm following reports of the serious attack.
Officers neutralised the animal outside the property.
Cheshire Police confirmed firearms officers fired 19 shots at the dog due to "the sheer size and ferocity of these animals".
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The pensioner was immediately taken to hospital, where he fought for his life for over a month.
Detective Inspector Simon Mills, of the Major Investigation Team at Cheshire Police, said: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time."
He added: "The victim has fought so hard since the attack but sadly his injuries were too much, and despite the best efforts of the specialist medical teams who have supported him since the attack, he has now passed away."
"To endure such pain and anguish at the hands of an animal is unimaginable, and I cannot begin to comprehend the distress that his family are currently suffering following such an horrific incident."
The Crown Prosecution Service has been informed of the victim's death.
They will now determine if there are any changes to the charges against the dog's owner.
Neighbours described how they were left "traumatised" by the attack.
Vic, who lives across the street, told the Liverpool Echo he "saw everything happen" through his kitchen window.
"I thought he'd had a heart attack. Then I saw this massive dog," he said.
He attempted to help by hitting the dog with a yard brush, but "it wouldn't get off him".
"I'm traumatised by what happened. There was blood on my boots and over my brush. It was everywhere," Vic added.
He witnessed police shoot the dog after they arrived at the scene.
"Nobody should have to go through what they have experienced," Detective Inspector Mills said.
The victim's next of kin have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
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The 84-year-old man succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, March 30, after fighting for more than a month following the attack.
The incident occurred on Monday, February 24, when the man was walking along Bardsley Avenue.
He sustained serious injuries during the attack, which took place in the front garden of someone's home.
The victim had been walking when he was attacked by the dog, which had reportedly escaped from a nearby home.
Armed police responded to the scene at around 6.40pm following reports of the serious attack.
Officers neutralised the animal outside the property.
Cheshire Police confirmed firearms officers fired 19 shots at the dog due to "the sheer size and ferocity of these animals".
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The pensioner was immediately taken to hospital, where he fought for his life for over a month.
Detective Inspector Simon Mills, of the Major Investigation Team at Cheshire Police, said: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time."
He added: "The victim has fought so hard since the attack but sadly his injuries were too much, and despite the best efforts of the specialist medical teams who have supported him since the attack, he has now passed away."
"To endure such pain and anguish at the hands of an animal is unimaginable, and I cannot begin to comprehend the distress that his family are currently suffering following such an horrific incident."
The Crown Prosecution Service has been informed of the victim's death.
They will now determine if there are any changes to the charges against the dog's owner.
Neighbours described how they were left "traumatised" by the attack.
Vic, who lives across the street, told the Liverpool Echo he "saw everything happen" through his kitchen window.
"I thought he'd had a heart attack. Then I saw this massive dog," he said.
He attempted to help by hitting the dog with a yard brush, but "it wouldn't get off him".
"I'm traumatised by what happened. There was blood on my boots and over my brush. It was everywhere," Vic added.
He witnessed police shoot the dog after they arrived at the scene.
"Nobody should have to go through what they have experienced," Detective Inspector Mills said.
The victim's next of kin have been informed of his death and are being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Find Out More...