'Vicious and brutal': Owner has arm RIPPED off by his two American bulldogs
A DOG owner had his arm torn off by his two American bulldogs in a "vicious" attack in the street which left him bloodied and screaming for help.
Horrified bystanders bravely tried to stop the brutal attack by hitting the victim's pets with golf clubs and garden tools before the animals ran off.
People living nearby were left in fear until one of the animals was shot dead by police while another one was eventually captured.
An eyewitness said: "There was a man on the floor getting mauled by two big dogs.
"I've never seen something so vicious and brutal in my life.
"I saw blood and his arm was literally torn off, his clothes were torn or pulled off and he was just squirming about screaming for help and eventually it looked as if he just gave up."
A search operation for the dogs involved a helicopter and armed officers following the attack last night in Pittington, County Durham around 9.10pm.
It is believed fireworks had startled the animals which made them viciously attack the 47-year-old victim.
I've never seen something so vicious and brutal in my life
The witness added: "People were behind the dogs in a car beeping the horn constantly to try and scare the dogs away, while some other people were also hitting the dogs with garden tools and golf clubs, but no matter what the dogs would not stop.
"Eventually the dogs stopped and ran away, and while they were running one of them was hit by a car, several times I think, but it still continued to run away."
The owner was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. Durham Constabulary said his injuries were serious but not life threatening.
Durham Police said one dog was "humanely destroyed" while a decision was being made about what to do with the second pet who was captured.
Durham City Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Coxon said: "I can confirm that both dogs were quickly captured by police and it was necessary for reasons of public safety to humanely destroy one of the dogs.
"I understand this must have been a shocking incident for those witnessing it and I would like to thank those members of the public for their efforts in trying to assist the man.
"My officers will be out in the Priors Grange area of Pittington throughout the course of the day to offer reassurance and support."
• Anyone with information can contact police on 101
