A man has died after being attacked by a “dangerously out of control” dog in Leigh.

The 37-year-old was found by officers in the town in Greater Manchester with serious injuries shortly after 9.10pm on Thursday.

He was taken to hospital where he later died in the early hours of Friday.

Greater Manchester Police said armed officers were deployed to try and control the dog and used “every available tactic to subdue” the animal before it was destroyed because it posed a “significant risk” to the public.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death.

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst, of GMP’s Wigan district, said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“We recognise this incident will rightly cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.

“We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation.”

It comes after a dog attack in Edinburgh earlier this month left a man with “life-changing” facial injuries.

Last month, a five-month-old baby was taken to hospital following a dog attack in Penyrheol, Caerphilly.