VIDEO: Man mauled by dog was suffering epileptic fit

The 33-year-old was savaged in a flat on Spring Close View, Gleadless Valley, Sheffield. Police officers alerted to the horrific attack seized the animal – thought to be a Pit Bull Terrier type dog – and arrested its owner on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act and Animal Welfare Act.

The 36-year-old man has been bailed following the attack on Monday afternoon.

Police said the victim suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition in hospital.

South West Local Policing Team Inspector Ian Stubbs said: “As the local Inspector I would like to reassure residents that incidents of this type are very rare.

“The incident took place inside a property and there was no risk to any other members of the public.”

A neighbour of the victim, who did not wish to be named, said: “Two brothers live there, I think one of them had an epileptic fit and the dog jumped on him apparently.

“One of them used to live there by himself so maybe the dog wasn’t used to him.”

He added he thought the dog was a white Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Another neighbour said she was unsure whether dogs were allowed in the flats.

She said she was not allowed to bring hers with her when she moved into her property.

Another resident, who was alerted to the attack when police knocked on her door, said the incident had shocked her and other neighbours.

The doors and windows of the flat have been boarded up by police. A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “A report was made at 4.20pm yesterday that a 33-year-old man had been attacked by a dog at a property on Spring Close View, Sheffield.

“Officers attended and seized the dog, which has visually been confirmed as a Pit Bull Terrier type dog.

“The 36-year-old owner of the dog was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - possession of a banned breed and failing to keep a dog under proper control and allowing it to cause injury to a person; and an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal.

“He has now been bailed while police conduct further enquiries. The dog is currently in police kennels.

“The 33-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries where his condition is described as critical.”