Huge XL bully was dubbed ‘Titan’ by locals before mauling 8-stone dad to death

A suspected XL bully that claimed the life of a dog walker on Tuesday (October 3) was known locally as 'Titan'.

The huge beast allegedly sunk its teeth into the neck of "kind and caring" Ian Langley, 54, while he was out walking his own dog in Shiney Row near Sunderland. One man, 44, was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm but was then re-arrested yesterday (October 4) on suspicion of murder.

The suspected XL bully was shot dead by police and another was also seized after officers received a call shortly before 6:55pm. Neighbours have since described how Mr Langley, who friends say weighed just eight stone, "stopped moving completely" while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The suspect is reported by The Mirror to have been known to the deceased, who had been out walking his Patterdale puppy, Beau. The puppy is understood to have fled at the time of the attack, but has since been rescued and is being looked after by friends of Mr Langley.

The news of Mr Langley’s death comes hot on the heels of extensive public and media attention on the XL bully and similar breeds. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in September promised to begin the process of defining and banning the dog type.

His spokesperson said a “transition period” would be commenced, but said meaningful restrictions would be in place by the end of the year under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Tributes have since poured in for Mr Langley, with local resident Michael Kennedy describing him as a “very caring fella”. He was described as, “a real dog lover” by Rachael Barron who added he, "could not hurt a fly".

A number of high-profile bully breed attacks have been in the public eye recently, including footage that showed an XL bully savaging a girl on the floor in Birmingham, before chasing a man around the forecourt of a petrol station. The upsetting footage sees the man desperately flee as the dog repeatedly chases him down.

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