Armed police officers had to stand on a ladder to shoot an XL Bully dead after it had mauled a dad to death during a fatal dog attack on Tuesday (October 3). 

Ian Langley, 54, originally from Liverpool but living in Shiney Row near Sunderland, suffered severe neck injuries in an attack on Tuesday evening and died in hospital.

Northumbria Police said the dog’s owner, aged 44, was originally arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but was re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Read more: Man arrested after Shiney Row 'XL Bully' attack bailed

On Thursday, officers said this man had been released on bail pending further inquiries.

It is understood Mr Langley was walking his Patterdale puppy, Beau, when the fatal alleged attack happened.

The puppy bolted but was rescued and is now being looked after by a friend of his, according to reports.

The Northern Echo: A police cordon in place at Shiney RowA police cordon in place at Shiney Row (Image: PA MEDIA)

Police shot the dog “to ensure the safety of the public” and took another dog, also believed to be an XL bully, into custody.

In a video shared on social media, an armed police officer stood on ladders to reach over a fence into a yard and shoot the animal from the road.

The Northern Echo: A large police presence in Shiney RowA large police presence in Shiney Row (Image: PA MEDIA)

“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL bully breed,” Northumbria Police said on Wednesday.

The XL bully owner called for help and rang the police, a local resident said.

Mr Langley’s friend Michael Kennedy said on Wednesday: “He never did any harm, he was not a violent person, he wasn’t a hard man, he wasn’t the type to go looking for trouble.

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“He was really thin, he would have no chance against a big dog.”

After police officially named the dead man, Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson said: “Our thoughts remain with Ian’s family and loved ones, as we continue to support them at this tragic time.

“Our investigation is ongoing, as we look to get answers for Ian’s family around what has happened.”

The latest attack comes as the Government looks to ban American XL bully dogs in response to a series of attacks.