Police shoot and kill two dogs after man in his 70s was mauled and suffered serious injuries while walking his own spaniel

• The attack happened this morning when a man was walking his own dog 

Police have shot and killed two dogs after an elderly man was attacked while walking his own spaniel.

The man, in his 70s, suffered serious injuries following the mauling in Bognor Regis this morning.

Sussex Police confirmed firearms officers shot dead two animals believed to be Rottweilers.

Police said the use of firearms was authorised due to the ongoing threat.

The man in his 70s, who has not been named, was attacked in Lewes Close, Bognor Regis at around 9.50am#.

His family are being supported by specialist officers.

Police have shot and killed two dogs after an elderly man was attacked in the street today

Sussex Police confirmed firearms officers shot dead two animals believed to be Rottweilers

Eye witness Candy Shepherd, 49, said she heard a series of loud bangs and thought there had been an explosion.

‘At about 9.50am I heard pop, pop, pop, pop and I thought it was a gas explosion. I saw one of the Rottweilers on the grass and I thought he had been electrocuted.

‘I could see foam coming from his mouth. I went over to see if I could help the dog and I’ve got two armed police running towards me with their guns telling me to get away.

‘The old boy was walking his little Spaniel. They have gone for his dog and mauled him when he tried to get in-between them.

‘The police told me he is seriously hurt. I asked the police why they had to kill the dog.

Police said the use of firearms was authorised due to the ongoing threat from the two dogs

‘They told me it was going to attack the other officer and that is why they had to shoot it.

‘It’s really shocking, it could’ve been me walking my dog. There was two of them on him.

‘He’s a lovely old boy. He has a London accent. I just hope he pulls through.’

The owners have been traced, a police spokesman said.

An eyewitness who asked not to be named described the horrific scene outside his home.

He said: ‘I heard a lot of loud barking. I came out and there’s two of them attacking this geezer on the floor.

‘I couldn’t help him, so I ran back inside and told my wife to ring 999. I said they’ll need an ambulance and guns. When I came back out, the dogs had ripped his clothes off and his shoes.

‘They had ripped his jacket off, his trousers, his shirt all he had left on was his pants.

‘They dragged him down here and up there, he was fighting for his life.’

Sussex Police said they responded to multiple reports of a man being attacked in the street by two dogs.

A spokesman said: ‘Due to the ongoing threat – and in order to protect the victim and the wider community – specialist firearms officers were swiftly deployed to the scene and granted authority to bring the dogs safely under control.

‘We can confirm that firearms were discharged and both dogs are now deceased.’

The owners have been traced, a spokesman said.

Chief Superintendent Alex Geldart said: ‘We acknowledge the distressing nature of this incident and would like to assure the community that there is no further risk associated with it.

‘The victim’s family are receiving support by specialist officers.

‘This is a fast-moving investigation and enquiries are underway to establish the exact circumstances of what happened.

‘We are aware this happened in a residential area and we’re urging anyone with information – including mobile or CCTV footage – to please contact us quoting Op Byfleet.

‘You can report it online or call 101.’

The shooting has been referred to the IOPC as a matter of course police said.

Source: Read Full Article