The daughter of a 53-year-old man who was bitten to death by an XL bully says he “just watched it for a friend because he wanted company as he missed his late wife”

A widower was bitten to death by a large bully dog ​​that his family said he had been caring for a friend.

Special officers shot the animal after the horror attack on 53-year-old David Daintree in his home on Tuesday evening.

Mr Daintree's daughter, Joanne Trezise, ​​posted a tribute on Facebook saying: “Sleep well, Papa Dave. Love you.”

She emphasized that the dog did not belong to her father, but that he had merely offered to look after him temporarily for a friend.

“He was the type of person who couldn’t say no to anything,” she said.

David Daintree, 53, was found dead by officers at his home in Ashley Court, Lancashire, after being killed by his XL Bully

A GV of Ashley Court in Accrington, Lancashire, where Mr Daintree was found dead

“He had a big heart of gold and because he was alone and missed his late wife, he wanted some company.”

According to social media, Mr Daintree's wife Sharon passed away in July 2021.

Ambulances and police were called to Mr Daintree's home in Accrington, Lancashire, shortly before 9.30pm on Tuesday, but he had already succumbed to his injuries.

Lancashire Police said officers had no choice but to shoot the animal as the dog continued to pose “a significant risk of serious injury”.

Lancashire Police said officers had no choice but to shoot the animal with a firearm as it posed “a significant risk of serious injury”.

While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, Mr Daintree's family is assisting specialist support staff.

Superintendent Marie Jackson said: “This is a tragic incident in which a man has unfortunately lost his life and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

“The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and I ask anyone with information to come forward.”

“We will have additional officers out in the area to investigate and I urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.”

An archive photo of an XL Bully. Since January 31st of this year, owning this dangerous breed has been illegal in England and Wales.

Owning the XL Bully, the largest American bulldog breed, has been illegal without exception in England and Wales since January 31, following a series of fatal attacks across the UK.

The powerful breed has distinctive features, including an average height of 50 cm, broad shoulders, a massive head and a weight of 57 kg.

According to a recent study, five of the ten areas in England with the most XL bully attacks are in the north-west.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote log 1480 of 20 August 2024.