Police called to a deadly dog attack in Melbourne’s northeast opened fire in an attempt to stop the frenzied animal.

Leo Biancofiore, 61, who used a wheelchair, was dead by the time officers arrived at the home in Mill Park about 6.40pm yesterday.

His wife, 58-year-old Donita, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and remains there today in a stable condition.

Leo Biancofiore was found dead in his Mill Park home after being attacked by the family's dog. (9News)

Daniella and Radenko Subotic, who share a back fence with the Biancofiore family’s Ancona Drive home, said they heard a woman screaming for help.

“She said please call police and an ambulance,” Ms Subotic told reporters.

The dog is now in the care of the council as is expected to be put-down. (9News)

“I saw a dog on top of the body of the man and the lady was trying to help out.”

Ms Subotic said Mr Biancofiore was a “completely dependent person” and “couldn’t defend himself.”

“I saw him on the ground, so probably the dog dragged him to the ground (from his wheelchair),” she said.

The neighbours said they had no recollection of the dog previous acting aggressively.

Ms Subotic said when police arrived officers jumped the adjoining fence and fired “two shots” in an effort to scare the dog, believed to be an American Staffordshire terrier, from further attacking the couple.

The animal was captured by rangers and was euthanised last night according to Liana Thompson from the City of Whittlesea council.

“The dog in question was not registered in the City of Whittlesea and there have been no previous reports to Council about this dog," Thompson said.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Parker said the dead man's daughter-in-law gave consent to destroy the animal.

Police were called after neighbours heard screams coming from the home. (9News)

"The dog belongs to the occupant's son, the dog's been here for quite some time," he told reporters at the scene.

"(The dog) will be taken to a veterinarian, and my understanding is that the owner of the dog has actually consented to that dog being put down.