'Out of control' dog attacks and kills elderly man in his garden

A 79-YEAR-OLD man was killed in Liverpool last night when an “out of control” dog attacked him in his back garden.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the death of Clifford Clarke is being investigated. Officers were called to an address in Clubmoor just before 8.40pm yesterday over reports of a dog attack.

When they arrived, they found the body of the man and were confronted by the vicious dog. Armed officers were deployed and the dog was destroyed.

Although the breed of dog is yet to be established, two women in their late-20s have been arrested on suspicion of an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, 1991.

Police are currently informing next-of-kin and carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

The dog attack is the second to occur in Britain this year. In March, 14-year-old Manchester girl Jade Anderson died in an attack by a number of dogs. Her family have started a campaign to pressure the government to change laws relating to dog ownership.

A study published in April found a link between violent crime and the trade for dogs on Britain’s streets. The three year study from Middlesex University included over 100 interviews, many with dangerous dog owners and several gang members found evidence of animals changing hands for up to £10,000 each.

‘Justice for Jade’ campaign looks for change after dog attack

Read: Teenage girl found dead in house with ‘out of control’ dogs>

Read: New study links violent crime with dangerous dog trade