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England

Young man killed by his own dog as he suffered an epileptic seizure

Trigger was then taken to a local vet to be put down.

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A YOUNG MAN who was killed by his own dog yesterday was suffering an epileptic seizure when he was attacked, police have confirmed.

Liam Hewitson, a 22 year old from Preston, sustained injuries to his face and neck on New Year’s Day.

Emergency services were called to the scene at his home but paramedics were unable to save him. He died at the scene after 3.45pm.

Man killed by dog in Preston Floral tributes are left at the scene in Dundonald Street in Preston, Lancashire, after 22-year old Liam Hewitson, was killed by his own dog. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

In an update today, Lancashire Police confirmed Liam was having an epileptic fit at the time.

The dog – a pitbull cross called Trigger – was taken to a local vet’s office and put down. Liam had owned him since he was born about five or six years old.

“Liam was a happy lad who was always smiling and had lots of friends,” his family said in a statement today.

He had a beautiful personality and he will be missed by his dad Phil, girlfriend Jess and sisters Melissa and Aleisha and brother Cordell.

Police added: “The family have asked to be given some privacy as they have been through a truly horrific experience and they are all still very much in shock.”

Man killed by dog in Preston Lauren Brown Lauren Brown

The incident is being treated as a tragic accident and officers noted that the dog was not a banned breed. “There is no criminal investigation,” they confirmed. “As such a file will be passed to the coroner in due course.”

Epilepsy: ‘There is always the chance of not waking up after a seizure’

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Read: Saudi Arabia has executed 47 men, including a prominent cleric, for terror offences

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