A murder probe has been launched after a man was killed by what police believe was an XL bully dog.
Northumbria Police said the 54-year-old man died despite efforts of hospital medics after the incident on Tuesday evening.
Residents in the Shiney Row area of Sunderland described paramedics working on the man’s injured throat after the attack which occurred on Maple Terrace around 6.55pm.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and following the man’s death, he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
The dog was shot by police at the scene “to ensure the safety of the public”, the force said.
“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL bully breed,” the force added.
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