Man mauled to death by his own dog

A man has died after being mauled by his own dog in Preston. Liam Hewitson is believed to have been attacked by the animal, while suffering an epileptic fit.

Emergency crews were called to the city's Dundonald St at 3.45pm yesterday. Paramedics did their best to save Liam, but he died later in hospital.

The dog was taken away to a vet and destroyed.

A woman on Facebook claiming to be the victim's Aunt reacted angrily to suggestions, made by others on social media, that the victim must have treated his dog badly. She said:

Two bouquets of flowers had been tied to a nearby lamppost as police cars lined the street. Tributes to Liam were left across social media.

Police have not specified what breed of dog was involved. Detective Inspector Jane Webb, from Preston CID, said: