Liverpool man, 79, killed by 'out-of-control' dog Published duration 26 May 2013

media caption The BBC's Ed Thomas says some neighbours said the 79-year-old had complained about dogs "damaging his garden fence"

Two women are being questioned on suspicion of manslaughter after a 79-year-old man was fatally injured by an "out-of-control" dog in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said the dog was destroyed after Clifford Clarke was attacked in Richard Kelly Close, Clubmoor, at 20:40 BST on Saturday.

The women, aged 27 and 28 and from Clubmoor, were arrested after Mr Clarke was found in his garden.

A post-mortem examination of his body is taking place.

Police said the dog was out of control when officers arrived at the house and found the injured man in the garden.

Screams reported

Mr Clarke was later pronounced dead in hospital. The breed of dog has not been confirmed but nearby residents said it looked like a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Neighbours reported screams while others thought a dog fight was taking place.

media caption Detective Chief Superintendent Tim Keelan: "Armed officers were called to the scene and the animal was humanely destroyed"

Mr Clarke, who was reportedly cooking some food prior to the attack, told neighbours his fence had been damaged by dogs.

The BBC understands neighbours had reported "out-of-control dogs" jumping over fences in the area.

The two women were originally detained under the section of the Dangerous Dogs Act that relates to an owner or a person in charge of the dog allowing it to enter a private property where it is not permitted to be and the animal injures a person.