A YOUNG MAN who was killed by his own dog yesterday was suffering an epileptic seizure when he was attacked, police have confirmed.

Liam Hewitson, a 22 year old from Preston, sustained injuries to his face and neck on New Year’s Day.

Emergency services were called to the scene at his home but paramedics were unable to save him. He died at the scene after 3.45pm.

Floral tributes are left at the scene in Dundonald Street in Preston, Lancashire, after 22-year old Liam Hewitson, was killed by his own dog. Source: PA Wire/PA Images

In an update today, Lancashire Police confirmed Liam was having an epileptic fit at the time.

The dog – a pitbull cross called Trigger – was taken to a local vet’s office and put down. Liam had owned him since he was born about five or six years old.

“Liam was a happy lad who was always smiling and had lots of friends,” his family said in a statement today.

He had a beautiful personality and he will be missed by his dad Phil, girlfriend Jess and sisters Melissa and Aleisha and brother Cordell.