A County Durham dad whose beloved dog was savaged and killed by an "out-of-control" American Bulldog has spoken of his fear over a similar attack happening again.

Paul Haworth of Chester-le-Street last week paid tribute to German Shepherd, Max after being attacked by the large ginger dog on Tuesday, July 26.

At the time, the dog managed to survive the incident but was later put down due to the severity of the wounds inflicted.

Now, the 32-year-old has hit back at the police for not contacting him back until three days after the attack and is demanding action.

Last night, Durham Police confirmed enquiries into the alleged incident are ongoing.

The Northern Echo: German Shepherd Max with Paul Haworth and wife Kelly and children Olivia and Shaun German Shepherd Max with Paul Haworth and wife Kelly and children Olivia and Shaun

But Mr Haworth said: “I am really not happy about it. I can’t do anything to help Max now. But it is the holiday and that area gets full of children. It’s packed with kids.

"I'm really quite stressed about it. Not because I have lost my best friend, but that dog could attack someone again."

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Mr Haworth was walking Max in Cong Burn, near the Cestria Health Centre at about 7.50am on Tuesday, when the alleged incident happened.

Max had prevented the offending dog from getting to Mr Haworth, but was left badly injured in the process.

The Northern Echo: Paul Haworth and baby Olivia with Max Paul Haworth and baby Olivia with Max

The Northern Echo: German Shepherd dog Max, who enjoyed chasing sticks German Shepherd dog Max, who enjoyed chasing sticks

Mr Haworth managed to pull them apart, but the bulldog reportedly attacked Max again, biting him so badly that he broke his leg.

Max was taken to Abbey Veterinary Centre, where it was found he had a severely broken leg, with crush, compound and spiral fractures, and puncture wounds.

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The family, including children Olivia, six, and Shaun, four, were devastated by the loss. 

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “This incident was reported to us on July 26. A number of witnesses, including the woman who was involved in the incident, have come forward and our enquiries are continuing."

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