An 80-year-old man has died after he was mauled to death by three Staffordshire Bull Terriers in a "horrific" dog attack.
Emergency services were called to the west side of San Antonio, Texas, US on Friday afternoon amid reports of an elderly man being dragged by violent dogs.
Firefighters had to use their pickaxes and pipes in order to try and get the dogs off the pensioner.
An elderly woman was bit on the hand and two others were injured as they tried to help the man after spotting him in distress across the street.
San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said in a statement: "As they rounded the corner they could see a man being dragged by a dog.
"He was completely bloodied before they got out of the truck.
"This is not something that is normal for us. We don't normally have to defend patients from animals or ourselves.
"The firefighters in this instance were very heroic fighting off these dogs with pickaxes and pipes to try and get to the patients.
"'Two people were mauled with a confirmed fatality who was treated and given blood on the scene, together with a female in critical condition. Another individual was bitten on the hand and also taken to the hospital.
"It has been a horrific scene and horrific experience for everyone involved including firefighters which was essentially a rescue to save themselves."
A San Antonio Fire Captain was bitten in the leg by the dogs after he arrived to help the elderly man.
However, he is expected to make a full recovery, according to officials.
Fire Chief Charles Hood has not confirmed if the pet owners will face charges but claimed it was likely.
He revealed the "emotionally scarred" experience has affected crew members.
Mr Hood said: "Nobody expects to go out and fight dogs in a situation like they did today."
Neighbours had previously reported their concerns to the police after a complaint was made back in 2021.
One neighbour was left needing treatment after a "mild bite" from one of the dogs.
In addition, neighbours claimed the pets were aggressive and often left neglected for long hours.
Since the attack, the dogs have been taken into quarantine by San Antonio Animal Care Service.
The three dogs, which were off property at the time of the incident, will be euthanised, according to city officials.
