Neighbours' horror after XL Bully kills Accrington man in his own home

David Daintree died on Tuesday night, August 20, after being attacked by the animal at his home at Ashley Court in Accrington. 

Police were called to the 53-year-old's address to reports of a dog attack, but found him dead at the scene. 

Officers said the animal still posed 'a significant threat of serious harm' and they 'were left with no alternative but to discharge a police firearm to destroy it and prevent it from causing further injury to more people'. 

Yesterday evening, Wednesday, neighbours told of their shock at the incident. 

One resident said: “I heard a shot at around 10pm.” 

David Daintree (Image: Lancashire Police)

He believed that David had not been looking after the dog for very long, for around “two weeks”.

Resident Arun Thomas said: “Yesterday I didn’t hear anything during the day. 

“Later on I looked out of the window and heard people saying that a dog had attacked a man and he died. 

“We are fearful after what happened, people here have children.” 

Arun added: “It was shocking for us, we don’t expect something like that. Everyday you see this person, say ‘good morning, how are you’.

David lived at this flat, where the attack happened (Image: Newsquest)

”That kind of dog is dangerous, people shouldn’t keep them in their homes.”

Read more: Neighbours in shock after man killed at his home by XL Bully dog - updates

Read more: Man dies after XL Bully dog attack at his home

Another resident said: “I woke up this morning and there were lots of police on the estate, including CID.

“When I went to the corner shop, someone told me a dog attacked its owner and that police shot the dog.”

Supt Marie Jackson, said: "This is a tragic incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to get in touch.

Ashley Court (Image: Newsquest)

“We will have extra officers out and about in the area carrying out enquiries and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 1480 of 20 August 2024. 

XL Bully-type dogs were officially banned in England and Wales from February 1. Ownership is illegal unless an exemption has been applied for and granted. They must also be on a lead and muzzled when in public.

The law to sell, breed from, abandon, or give away an XL Bully came into force on December 31, 2023.