A rapper who is the suspected owner of two "unregistered XL Bullies" which mauled a gran to death had said: "Don’t tell me what to do with my f***ing dogs."
Wyless Man, real name Ashley Warren, came out with a series of scathing attacks after legislation was bought in for the suspected breed.
It comes after Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death by two dogs in Jaywick, Essex. An investigation was launched to determine the breed of the dogs, although family members suspect them to be XL Bully dogs.
The dogs were destroyed at the scene. Ashley Warren was arrested and remains in custody.
Wannabe rapper Ashley Warren has been arrested
Martin, a former Tesco worker, was reportedly babysitting her grandson (Warren’s son) over the weekend when the dogs turned on her as she tried to shoo their six puppies with a broom.
Her daughter Kelly Fretwell told the Daily Mirror that there were eight XL Bullies present in the house, six puppies and the two adults who attacked the victim, when her mother was left there alone.
She said: "She was amazing. She was retired and trying to bring her life back on track after the passing of my sister two years ago.
"She came to visit my nephew and now she is dead. We told him that they were dangerous. This is a very distressing time for our family."
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Officers attended the scene in Jaywick, Essex
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Her son Paul, 45, told The Sun: "She came to visit her grandson. The owner of the bullies decided to go out and leave mum with six XL Bully puppies and two adults. We believe they are all unregistered and uninsured."
One local added that he avoided the house where they were kept because they were "proper aggressive" adding: "They were always barking and trying to get through the gate. They would attack the gate."
However, his gran Carol Stotter, 76 said: "From what I’ve heard from Ashley, the dogs haven’t been aggressive. I think with the puppies around it probably changed their behaviour. Those dogs were his pets. I think the female got pregnant which was not planned.
"He was never cruel to anybody. He was very careful. He kept the fence in good order to keep the dogs from going stray. They never attacked anybody."
Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death
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In a press conference held yesterday afternoon, chief superintendent Glen Pavelin said: "When Essex Police officers entered the house their priority was - as always - to keep the community safe.
"Their unflinching bravery and professionalism ensured that there is no ongoing threat to the people of Essex as a result of this incident. Both dogs were destroyed inside the house.
"I repeat: thanks to their swift actions, I can reassure the community in Jaywick that there is no ongoing risk to them posed by this incident. I would also like to thank the local people who had tried to get into the house to help Esther Martin. You should be proud.
"Last night we arrested a 39-year-old man from Jaywick on suspicion of dangerous dog offences. He remains in custody."