Police seize dog that ripped head off 'much loved' family pet Pomeranian named Elvis

Dog's family remain 'distraught' over the brutal attack

Images of the attack, which took place on Saturday, show a woman and the dog believed to be responsible walking from the scene covered in blood. A Pomeranian dog named Elvis died as a result of the horrific attack. (Gemma Antell)

A dog that ripped the head off another dog has been seized by police in Warrington.

Images of the attack, which took place on Saturday, show a woman and the dog believed to be responsible walking from the scene covered in blood. A Pomeranian dog named Elvis died as a result of the horrific attack.

The photographs were widely shared by outraged social media users, with numerous calls for the police to find the offending dog and its owner.

Today Cheshire Police confirmed that they have seized the dog, and are now examining it to determine its breed.

Chief Inspector Darren Hebden said: “This was a horrendous attack and was clearly very distressing for the owners to witness.

“I am aware of pictures that have been circulated on social media which will undoubtedly cause concern for the community but can I reassure people that we have now seized the offending dog so there is no risk to the general public.

“We will be speaking to the owners in due course and will do all we can to deal with the incident appropriately within the guidelines of the law.”

Extra patrols will be in the area to talk to concerned residents and address any issues in the area.

The dead dog’s owner Gemma Antell told local newspaper The Warrington Guardian that her three children are distraught following the incident.

Ms Antell, whose mother-in-law was looking after the pet at the time, described how the other dog burst through the garden gate, snatched Elvis in its jaws and ripped his head off, adding: “It was like something out of a horror film, like it's not actually happened”.

She went on: “My children are distraught. It is the first thing they have had to lose and it's completely changed the way they see dogs as they are now terrified, which is very sad… At least it wasn't a child, but he was our loved family pet.”