Tributes have poured in after a dad-of-three was mauled to death by a ‘dangerously out of control dog’ which had to be shot by armed police.
Jonathan Hogg, 37, suffered serious head and neck injuries after being attacked by the animal – believed to be an XL bully type – at a property in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on Thursday night.
He was taken to hospital but died during the early hours on Friday.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death. He remains in custody for further questioning.
Mr Hogg’s family said in a statement released by police: ‘Jonathan was a well-loved, sensitive, and kind person who will never know how loved and appreciated he was by everyone who knew him.
‘We have been inundated with messages of support and we ask for privacy at this time to come to terms with our loss.’
Dozens of friends of Mr Hogg, known affectionately as ‘Oggy’, also left tributes on Facebook.
Olivia Marsden wrote: ‘Can’t believe what I’m reading! Rest in peace Oggy.’
Another, Amber Rose, wrote: ‘RIP Oggy! So so sad… thinking of you.’
Ella Rose posted: ‘RIP Oggy, absolutely lost for words,’ adding that she was ‘thinking of the kids and all the family at this awful time’.
Ryan Kelly wrote: ‘Just woke up to some terrible news r.i.p oggy fly high my mate.’
And Paul Kinsella posted: ‘RIP OGGY top lad not one bad word say about him. Sleep tight mate. Thinking of your family x.’
Police were called to the property at around 9.10pm following reports of ‘concern for the welfare’ of a man on Westleigh Lane.
When officers arrived, they found Mr Hogg had suffered serious injuries believed to be caused by a dog which was ‘dangerously out of control’, according to GMP.
The force said in a statement: ‘GMP armed officers were deployed to attempt to control the dog and officers reviewed and actioned every available tactic to subdue the dog and bring it to safety.
‘Due to the significant risk the dog posed to the members of the public, the dog was humanely destroyed.’
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst said: ‘Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
‘We recognise this incident will rightly cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.
‘We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation.’
He urged members of the public to get in touch if they had information about the ‘distressing incident’.
Police remained at the scene on Friday.
Appealing to the public for information, Det Supt Hurst added: ‘This is a distressing incident which has resulted in the sad passing of a man and we are determined to ensure this does not happen again in our community.’
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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