A man who was arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal 'XL bully' attack in October 2023 has been re-bailed by police as enquiries continue. 

54-year-old Ian Langley, known as "Scouse" fell victim to an attack from a dog which was believed to be an XL bully on Maple Terrace on Shiney Row, Sunderland just before 7pm on October 3, 2023.

Mr Langley, who was originally from Liverpool, was taken to hospital but died from his injuries. Police destroyed the dog in question at the scene "to ensure the safety of the public", and seized another.

The Northern Echo: Ian 'Scouse' Langley.Ian 'Scouse' Langley. (Image: FACEBOOK)

Following the incident, Northumbria Police confirmed that a 44-year-old man was arrested initially on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was then re-arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Mr Langley.

The man was then released on bail until earlier this month as enquiries continued but has now been re-bailed by the force with a new date.

On October 4, a police statement read: "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. The dog was destroyed at the scene to ensure the safety of the public.

"While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL Bully breed. A second dog, also believed to be an XL Bully breed, was also seized as a precaution.

The Northern Echo: Maple Terrace, Shiney Row.Maple Terrace, Shiney Row. (Image: PA MEDIA)

"Our thoughts go out to the man's family and loved ones at this tragic time. A full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of what has happened.

"There is no risk to the wider community, and officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance and carry out enquiries.

"While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe those involved were known to each other."

Following the incident, residents spoke of the “chaos” that ensued after the attack that took place as emergency services arrived at the scene.

The Northern Echo: Maple Terrace, Shiney Row.Maple Terrace, Shiney Row. (Image: PA)

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.”

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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.”