Man, 53, mauled to death by XL bully

A widower has been mauled to death by an XL bully dog in Lancashire.

Police launched an investigation after David Daintree, 53, was found dead inside a house at Ashley Court in Accrington shortly before 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Officers were called to reports of a dog attack at the address, Lancashire Police said.

Armed police destroyed the dog, since confirmed to be an XL bully, to prevent it from injuring more people, as it continued to pose “a significant threat of serious harm”, the force added.

Specially trained officers are supporting Mr Daintree’s family.

His daughter said on Facebook on Wednesday night that the dog was not his own.

She posted: “It wasn’t actually his dog it was someone else’s. Sleep tight Daddy Dave. Love you.

“He got asked if he could look after it for a bit and he was the sort of person who just couldn’t say no to anything.

“He had the biggest heart of gold and because he was in a flat on his own missing his late wife he wanted some company at night he said yeah to the dog not knowing anything about it.”

Supt Marie Jackson 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 inquiries and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting log 1480 of Aug 20 2024.