A man has been killed by his own XL bully in Accrington, police have said.

David Daintree, 53, was found dead shortly before 9.30pm yesterday in his home.

Police said they had “no alternative” but to shoot the dog dead as it “continued to pose a significant threat of serious harm”.

The force said they had to kill the XL Bully in order to prevent further harm to more people.

Supt Marie Jackson, of East Police, 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 enquiries and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”

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From 1 February, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

Anyone who owns one of the dogs must have had the animal neutered, have it microchipped and keep it muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.

The government move to ban XL bullys followed a series of attacks on people.

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