Man dies after dog attack

Mr Carter was devoted to his family

An elderly man died from a heart attack after suffering serious injuries in a dog attack, an inquest has heard.

Les Carter, 83, from Bolton, was leaving his home last November for his morning walk to the shops when he was attacked by a Bull Terrier.

The inquest heard a schoolboy saw Mr Carter on the ground rolling from side to side with the dog at his head.

He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital for emergency surgery, but died of a heart attack after the operation.

The dog's owner, David O'Connor, said the animal had escaped before and bitten another dog, but had never been aggressive towards humans.

Mr Carter was bitten on the face and scalp, and was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital with injuries so severe he needed a skin graft.

Owner David O'Connor said the dog had escaped before

He was then taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where he died.

The dog was destroyed after the attack.

Consultant histopathologist Dr Isabel Hanson told the inquest Mr Carter died from heart failure.

But she added he would not have suffered the failure if the dog had not attacked him.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming recorded a verdict of accidental death.

She warned dog owners that their pets must be kept safely and securely.