Dog owner died of natural causes

The dog was killed by police near the scene

A 78-year-old man believed to have been killed by his rottweiler dog in east London died from natural causes.

A post-mortem examination has revealed that Jim Rehill suffered a stroke moments before the apparent attack.

Witnesses said Mr Rehill "looked like a doll" as the animal shook and bit him in Plaistow, last month.

But the post-mortem examination held at East Ham mortuary appeared to back claims from some witnesses that the pet was trying to help the owner.

Mr Rehill was taken to hospital suffering from severe head and facial injuries and died later that night.

Armed police killed the dog near the scene.