Police supervisory authority investigates death of man attacked by XL bully

David Daintree, 53, was found dead at his home in Ashley Court, Accrington, Lancashire, after police received reports that a dog had attacked a person on the property.

Officers shot the animal because they feared it posed a “significant risk of serious harm” to other people, Lancashire Police said.

On Monday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it had launched an investigation into Lancashire Constabulary's “previous contact” with Mr Daintree.

A spokesman said: “We have launched an independent investigation into previous contact Lancashire Constabulary had with David Daintree prior to his tragic death following a fatal dog attack in Accrington on Tuesday 20 August.

“Our investigation began following a mandatory report from Lancashire Police regarding contact police had with Mr Daintree in early August.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Daintree’s family and friends and all those affected by his death.”

After the tragedy, Mr Daintree's family described him as “the kindest, most loving person you could ever meet”.

At the time, Lancashire Police said they had launched an investigation into the incident, including how the dog – which has since been confirmed to be an XL Bully – came into Mr Daintree's possession and who its previous owner was.

In a tribute released by police, Daintree's daughter Joanne said he was a “great grandfather, father and husband and he will be missed by many people”.

She said: “Dad was a man who had so much love to give that he didn’t know what to do with it.

“Everyone who ever met him said what a lovely man he was.”

She added: “He was the kindest, most loving person you could ever meet. He helped everyone, even people he didn't know, and he did that many times.”