Tributes have been paid to a dad mauled to death by a dog. Jonathan Hogg, 37, suffered fatal injuries when he was attacked by the animal - believed to be an XL bully type - at a property in Leigh last night (Thursday).
He was taken to hospital, but his death was confirmed at around 2am today (Friday). As police continue to interview a man arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, tributes have flooded in for Mr Hogg, known affectionately as 'Oggy'.
The Manchester Evening News understands he was a father of five. "Can't believe what I'm reading! Rest in peace Oggy," wrote Olivia Marsden, one of dozens to leave tributes on Facebook.
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Another, Amber Rose, wrote: "RIP Oggy! So so sad... thinking of you." Ella Rose posted 'RIP Oggy, absolutely lost for words', adding that she was 'thinking of the kids and all the family at this awful time'.
Ryan Kelly wrote: "Just woke up to some terrible news r.i.p oggy fly high my mate." Paul Kinsella posted: "RIP OGGY top lad not one bad word say about him. Sleep tight mate. Thinking of your family x."
Armed police were scrambled to the property in Leigh last night (Thursday) after the 'dangerously out of control' dog launched a ferocious attack. The dog was forced into a cabin in a yard at the rear of the property and when armed police arrived, the animal was shot dead.
Police were called to the property at around 9.10pm following reports of 'concern for the welfare' of a man on Westleigh Lane. When officers arrived, they found Mr Hogg had suffered serious injuries believed to be caused by a dog which was 'dangerously out of control', according to GMP.
The force said in a statement: "GMP armed officers were deployed to attempt to control the dog and officers reviewed and actioned every available tactic to subdue the dog and bring it to safety. Due to the significant risk the dog posed to the members of the public, the dog was humanely destroyed."
The victim was taken to hospital but died during the early hours. A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death. He remains in custody for further questioning.
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, of GMP’s Wigan district, said: "Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
"We recognise this incident will rightly cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.
"We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation."
He urged members of the public to get in touch if they had information about the 'distressing incident'. Today police remained at the scene.
Appealing to the public for information, Det Supt Hurst added: "This is a distressing incident which has resulted in the sad passing of a man and we are determined to ensure this does not happen again in our community."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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