A 54-year-old man who was attacked by a dog in Sunderland has died and a murder investigation has been launched, Northumbria Police said

The dog is believed to have been an XL Bully – and was shot by police at the scene.

Residents in Shiney Row, where the incident took place, said they saw paramedics attending to man’s severely injured throat after Tuesday’s attack.

The man died despite the efforts of hospital medics to save his life.

A 44-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm – but following the man’s death, he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

The suspect remains in police custody.

One man local to the area said he frequently saw two XL bullies being walked in the vicinity.

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He said: “I have seen the two dogs before, they are well known in the area, an older one and a younger one.

“They shot the older one in the yard.”

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