Horrific last moments of owner mauled by rottweiler

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Former railway engineer James Rehill, 78, was "dragged like a doll" through the street by the dog, witnesses said.

Residents with baseball bats tried to free Mr Rehill as the rottweiler inflicted horrific injuries to his face and head near his home in Newham, east London.

Seven Pcs and a sergeant came to the aid of the victim but were unable to break him free from the dog's clutches.

Eventually they used fire extinguishers to distract the dog and were able to contain it until armed police called to the scene in New City Road destroyed it.

Paramedics took Mr Rehill to Royal London Hospital after the attack on Sundaymorning but he died later that day.

Witness Aziz Rahman, 32, said: "It was like something you see in a TV programme. There was a man lying on the floor and a dog was over him, licking and biting him. There was blood all over his face."

Newham borough commander Nick Bracken said: "Officers dealt swiftly to contain the dog, putting their own lives at risk. This is a tragic incident and our thoughts today are with the family and friends of the deceased man."

Despite the attack, neighbours said the man and his dog were "best friends".

Albert Hunter, 69, said: "I don't know why (the dog) went like that. It was never aggressive to anybody that I know of."

An investigation is under way and a post mortem examination will be held this week. Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 2591.