'Dangerous' pitbull is shot dead

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Police marksmen have shot dead an American pitbull dog after it had repeatedly bitten a 33-year-old man and seriously injured a police officer.

Officers arrived at a house in Joyner Road, Hesters Way, Cheltenham, and found an injured man was trying to fend the animal off outside the house.

A 34-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested later under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The policeman and victim were taken to hospital with "severe injuries".

Police were called to the address at 1430 GMT. A man had suffered severe injuries to his wrist, legs and body as he attempted to tackle the dog with the help of a neighbour using a ladder.

The police officer was then also attacked as he came to the man's aid, and sustained injuries to his face and arm.

Two dog handlers were called and equipped with shields and lassos, they attempted to contain the dog.

Chief Inspector Steve Radcliffe, of Gloucestershire Police, said: "Extensive attempts were made to contain it but this proved impossible and the lives of dog handlers and other people nearby would have been put at risk if it had been allowed to continue acting ferociously any longer.

"It was therefore destroyed by marksmen. A man has been arrested and is currently helping with inquiries at Cheltenham Police Station."