A 42-year-old man has died after being attacked by a ‘dangerous fighting dog’ in London, police have said.

Officers were called to Shirley Road, Stratford, east London, at 4.53am on Wednesday following reports that a man had been seriously wounded.

The victim was rushed to hospital, but did not survive his injuries. His family have been informed and a post mortem will take place in due course.

Detectives probing the fatal mauling have charged Leanne McDcausing, the handler.

She is charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, failing in the duty, as a person responsible for an animal, to ensure its welfare, and having custody of a fighting dog.

McDonnell was also charged with three counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing no injury in regard to a separate incident on November 18.

She was remanded in custody and will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on December 6.

The dog that was involved in the two incidents has been seized by police.