Dog shot dead by neighbour as it savages man in Bilston

The victim, 57, was left with serious injuries in the attack, which happened in Highfields Drive, Bilston.

The Staffordshire-Cross, which is believed to have belonged to the family of the man who was bitten, was then killed by a neighbour, who is a licensed shotgun holder.

Police said they were called at around 8.25pm yesterday after the shooting, and that the person who shot the dog was licensed to own a shotgun.

The victim had been left with injuries to his face, neck, arm, hand and foot.

Spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said: "A 57-year-old man suffered serious bite injuries to his arm, legs and feet after being attacked in the garden by the dog, believed to be a Staffordshire-Cross breed.

"The dog, which belonged to the family of the man who was bitten, was shot dead by a neighbour, a licensed shotgun holder, in order to stop the attack.

"The man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the victim had suffered 'multiple dog bites' and had been taken on blue lights to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

It is thought that there will not be a police investigation as the dog attack happened on private property and is now dead, while the man who killed it was licensed to have the weapon.

Today, residents in the quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac spoke of their shock at what had unfolded.

Dave Green, aged 61, said: "I heard three shots and then the ambulance came down.

"I came out the front to have a look and saw the ambulance.

"I heard it was a dog attack. It was a bit of a shock really."

Sean Bittaway, 58, said: "I heard a bang and saw all the pigeons fly out of the tree. I said to my missus, that's a gun."

Another neighbour said: "I heard three shots. I did think it was a gun straight away. The first one was really loud.