Urgent hunt for dogs suspected of attack after man found dead in Rubery garden

Police have issued an urgent appeal to find two dogs that may have been involved in a man’s death in the West Midlands.

A photo of one of them has been released after officers found the man dead in a back garden in Rubery in the early hours of Thursday.

Officers said they were called to the property to reports a number of dogs were on the loose.

Two dogs were seized, but two others that may also have been there are missing.

Police believe the man, 33, was attacked by at least one of the animals and that it may have contributed to his death.

“We really need to hear from anyone who has seen these dogs and it’s vital that if you see them, you don’t approach them but call 999 immediately,” warned Inspector Leanne Chapman.

West Midlands Police said it thinks the dogs are American Bulldog-types rather than a banned breed.

It said the dog that isn’t pictured is black.

“If you or someone you know has taken the dogs in after finding them loose, we need you to call us as soon as possible,” added Inspector Chapman.

Police are using drones, carrying out house-to-house enquiries, reviewing CCTV, and using specialist dog officers to try to find them.

A post-mortem examination on the man is being carried out today to establish his cause of death.

A local woman told Sky News that when she saw the property taped off and forensics officers “she knew it was bad”.

“I didn’t really know him, but I know him and his brother had a few rows and disagreements – and had quite vicious dogs as well.

“His brother chained one up to that lamp post there the other week and I put some water down for it and it started growling at me and barking at me.”

She said the incident was “scary” as she had two young children.

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The incident happened in Hereford Close, Rubery, about seven miles (11km) southwest of central Birmingham.

It comes a few days after a 53-year-old man was killed by an XL bully dog in Accrington, Lancashire.

Police in that case said they had “no alternative” but to shoot the dog dead.

XL bullies were banned after a series of attacks and owners now need an exemption certificate and to comply with rules such as keeping the dog muzzled and on a lead in public.

Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving them away is also illegal.