‘Loved’ grandad, 84, killed in horror XL Bully attack while walking home is pictured – after cops shot dogs 19 times
A GRANDAD who tragically died after suffering a horrific XL Bully attack has been pictured – after cops shot the dog 19 times.
John McColl, 84, was walking home on February 24 when he was brutally attacked by an XL bully in Warrington.
Cops were promptly called to the scene before firing 19 shots at the animal to stop its attack on the defenceless man.
The victim was swiftly rushed to hospital where he was treated for life-altering injuries.
However, despite the hospital staff’s “best efforts”, the pensioner sadly passed away on Sunday.
His family have since paid an emotional tribute to the “loving” grandad who will “always be loved” and “missed” enormously.
In a statement his family said: “As a family we are absolutely devastated with what has happened to John.
“He fought hard for the last five weeks but he decided he could not fight any more and passed away on Sunday 30 March at 1.40pm surrounded by family.
“Our dad, grandad and great grandad will always be loved by us all and sadly missed by each and every one of us.
“We would like to thank the emergency services and first aid responders who helped John at the scene, along with the residents of Dallam who also came to his aide and the staff at Aintree and Whiston hospitals for all that they did for him and us as a family.”
A 30-year-old man from Warrington has previously been charged with dangerous dog offences over the incident.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is now considering whether any changes should be made to the charges.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “Their physical attributes can make it like owning a loaded firearm with a questionable safety catch.
“The sheer size and ferocity of these animals mean that our firearms officers had to discharge 19 shots into them – all of which hit their targets – in order bring the incident to a conclusion and ensure the safety of the public.”
Detective Inspector Simon Mills, of the Major Investigation Team at Cheshire Police, previously said: “The victim has fought so hard since the attack but sadly his injuries were too much, and despite the best efforts of the specialist medical teams who have supported him since the attack, he has now passed away.
“To endure such pain and anguish at the hands of an animal is unimaginable, and I cannot begin to comprehend the distress that his family are currently suffering following such an horrific incident.”