Man dies separating fighting dogs

A man has died after he intervened in a fight between two dogs in Blackpool.

Police said the 21-year-old victim was bitten by both animals when he tried to separate them at a house in Reads Avenue on Friday evening.

The man fell over and may have banged his head, said officers. He was treated by paramedics but died later.

The dogs, which were both German shepherds, have been destroyed at the direction of the owner. The victim shared the house with the owner.

'Puncture marks'

Lancashire Police said the victim was attacked in the house in Reads Avenue at about 2000 BST.

"Both turned and made a sustained attack on him, making puncture marks on his upper body," said a spokesman.

"The owner of the dogs intervened and the dogs were dragged away."

The cause of death has not been officially established and a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

"We cannot dismiss the possibility he died as a consequence of falling in the course of this incident," the spokesman added.