A RAGING dog that mauled a dad to death had reportedly attacked two other people before the bloodbath.
Ian "Scouse" Langley, 54, was protecting his puppy when the animal pounced on him outside a home in Sunderland last night.
He was rushed to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries but sadly couldn't be saved and died last night.
A 44-year-old man, who was known to Ian, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
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Police confirmed the dog was destroyed at the scene to "ensure the safety of the public".
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A second dog – also an XL Bully – was seized from the property as a precaution.
Police are now looking into claims the dog had attacked others on the estate before the fatal attack.
Ian's friend Janice Gonzales she she was aware of two other victims but believes there could be more.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "We are aware of comments about concerns previously being reported to police in relation to dogs in Shiney Row, Sunderland.
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“We can confirm we will be reviewing these reports.”
It comes as tributes continue to flood in for dad-of-one Ian, who was with his Patterdale terrier puppy Beau when the dog attacked.
Friend Rachael Barron, 31, said: "It's absolutely devastating that
this has happened to him, he is a lovely, kind man.
"He's very slight of build and could not hurt a fly, he would have
stood no chance against a dog as big as that, it makes me feel sick to
think about it.
"I don't know exactly what has happened but if another dog was trying to get at Beau, Scouse would have done anything to protect him.
"We have been devastated, I haven't even been able to tell the kids
yet, they will be so upset. Everyone knew and liked him, he was a
lovely guy.
"He didn't work but spent all his time with Beau or helping out in
people's allotments. He just liked to be around people."
Another pal added: "He didn’t deserve to die.
“He was a canny lad. He was friendly. It’s a tragedy.”
Horrified locals told how police told them to stay indoors as officers stormed the residential street last night.
Neighbour Linda Blyth, 56, said she then heard a "loud crack" as the animal was shot dead.
She added: "It seems as though the man was trying to get his puppy out of the way when the XL Bully took hold of him.
"It's the most awful thing I've seen."
One witness said there was "so much blood" following the savage attack as the animal went for Ian's throat.
Locals also claimed the XL Bully had been reported in the past for attacking other dogs.
The horror is the latest in a spate of dog attacks across the UK.
It also comes amid a growing public debate after Rishi Sunak vowed to ban American bully XL dogs.
The PM said the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act following a spate of terrifying attacks.
Detective Chief Inspector Angela Hudson, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the man’s family and loved ones.
“This is an absolutely tragic incident, and we will continue to offer them support in any way that we can.
“A full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of what has happened.
“I would like to reassure the wider community that there is no ongoing risk to them, and officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance and carry out enquiries.
“While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe those involved were known to each other.
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“I would also continue to ask people not to speculate about the incident online, including on social media, while enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information on the latest incident has been asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number NP-20231003-0979.
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