Northumbria Police responded to an incident in Shiney Row, Sunderland, on Tuesday evening.
A murder investigation has begun after a man was savaged by what police believe was an XL bully.
Residents in Shiney Row, Sunderland, said they saw paramedics working on the man’s badly injured throat after the attack in Maple Terrace at around 6.55pm on Tuesday.
Northumbria Police said the dead man was 54 and he died despite the efforts of hospital medics to save his life.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and following the man’s death, he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
The dog was shot by police at the scene “to ensure the safety of the public”, the force said.
“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL bully breed,” the force added.
