A heartbroken family has paid tribute to a 'one-in-a-million' dad-of-five after he was mauled to death in a dog attack. Jonathan Hogg, 37, suffered fatal injuries when he was attacked by a dog, believed to be an XL bully type, at a house in Leigh last night (Thursday).
A 24-year-old man is being questioned by police after being arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog. Mr Hogg, a mechanic from Hindley in Wigan, was known by friends and family as 'Oggy'.
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He was the father of three boys aged 16, 11, and four-months-old and two girls aged three and one. His older brother Ian Hogg told the Manchester Evening News: "He was my little brother and I loved him to bits. He was one in a million - he'd do anything for anybody.
"He was bubbly and loud - the loudest person you ever met. His kids are in bits. I don't know what we're going to do.
"I was in the hospital from 11pm to 5am. It was just horrific, I can't get it out of my head, but the doctors and nurses did everything they could. They were amazing."
In a tribute released by Greater Manchester Police the family said: "Jonathan was a well-loved, sensitive, and kind person who will never know how loved and appreciated he was by everyone who knew him. We have been inundated with messages of support and we ask for privacy at this time to come to terms with our loss."
Armed police rushed to the property on Westleigh Lane at about 9.10pm. The dog was forced into a cabin in a yard at the rear of the property and shot dead.
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."
Mr Hogg was taken to Hope Hospital in Salford but died during the early hours.
Det Supt 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."
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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