Dog shot dead by police after biting man and 'becoming aggressive'

Specialist dog handlers were called to New Street, in the Darfield area of Barnsley, at around 3pm on Sunday after reports an Akita had bitten a man in the area.

Police said the dog "became aggressive" and "posed a significant risk to the public".

Firearms officers were authorised to shoot the dog.

Police are now appealing for the owner of the dog to come forward.

The Akita, which was brown and white, reportedly bit a 37-year-old man on his hand and arm.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "The dog had no identification details and the owners still have not come forward.

"The Akita was wearing a choker chain style collar at the time of the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or email [email protected], quoting incident number 647 of 15 January 2017.