A man is in a critical condition after being attacked by what was believed to be his own dog.
Officers discovered the man, said to be in his mid-50s, being mauled by a rottweiler-type dog in an east London street.
Police had to distract the dog before chasing it away, but not before the man received serious head wounds. The dog was later destroyed.
The incident occurred in New City Road, Newham, east London.
Police from nearby Forest Gate arrived at the scene to find the dog attacking the man.
The animal was contained while armed officers were called to the scene out of fear for the safety of other people. The animal was described as being dangerously out of control before it was destroyed.
The injured man was taken by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital. He is said to be in a critical condition with serious head injuries.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the incident.
