Residents have described the "chaos" that ensued on a North East housing estate last night after a 54-year-old man was fatally injured by an "XL Bully breed" dog.

The neighbourhood surrounding Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, near Sunderland, has been left in a state of shock after a man was fatally injured by a dog just before 7pm last night (October 3).

Police descended on the street where the dog “was destroyed at the scene” to ensure the safety of the public whilst a second was seized.

Read more: Shiney Row dog attack LIVE: Man dies after attack as murder investigation launched

Initially, a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm.

Following the man’s death, he has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time as police launch an investigation.

Read more: Dad mauled to death in horrific 'XL Bully' attack as tributes pour in

Residents have now spoken of the “chaos” that ensued after the attack that took place as emergency services arrived at the scene.

One said: “I started to hear the sirens and we do get a lot of sirens around here but the amount of noise we heard was unusual. 

“There was just absolute chaos - there were sirens and other dogs started barking as if they knew something happened. 

“Around here it’s not a good neighbourhood. As a mum, yesterday I really panicked as my kids were playing out here yesterday - they were so close to where it happened. It’s so scary.”

The Northern Echo: Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland.Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland. (Image: a)

Another local spoke of a “loud bang” that resounded in the street, referring to the moment police destroyed the dog following the attack.

They said: “I heard the police show up last night, all the sirens and ambulances. 

“I heard a shot and a loud bang - it shocked me. Before the noise, police came to our houses and told us to stay inside and two minutes later the shot went off.”

The Northern Echo: Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland.Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland. (Image: a)

Another neighbour alleged the dog that was destroyed by police had attacked before.

They said: “I just heard the commotion but I didn’t see anything at the time.


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The Northern Echo: Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland last night (October 3).Maple Terrace in Shiney Row, Sunderland last night (October 3). (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“I have heard that the dog has attacked other dogs before - so I think the police should have acted before this happened.”

Pictures from the area this morning (October 4) show a heavy police presence has remained on the street, with most of the homes and the surrounding grassland cordoned off. 

Multiple police vehicles and officers were also pictured at the roadside and have remained there since