Man, 42, dies after being attacked by 'dangerous fighting dog' in London as owner charged

5 December 2024, 22:16 | Updated: 5 December 2024, 23:15

A 42-year-old man has died after being attacked by a dog in East London on Wednesday, police have confirmed.

Police were called to Shirley Road, Stratford at 4:53am on Wednesday following reports that a man had been seriously wounded.

The man, 42, was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday and has been charged with several offences over the incident.

Leanne McDonnell, of Stratford, has been charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, failing in the duty, as a person responsible for an animal, to ensure its welfare and having custody of a fighting dog.

Ms McDonnell has been remanded in custody and will appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The dog has been seized by police.

Ms McDonnell was also charged with three counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing no injury during a separate incident on November 18.

It comes just weeks after A 10-year-old girl died after being bitten by a family dog at her North Yorkshire home.

Savannah Bentham was bitten by the dog, believed to be a registered XL Bully, in the family's home near Malton in North Yorkshire in October.

Despite efforts from paramedics on the scene, 10-year-old Bentham died of her injuries.

Following her death, her family have paid tribute to their “wonderful” daughter.

A statement shared by North Yorkshire Police read: “We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah.

"We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much.

“We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss.“

We ask that our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”