A MAN has died after being attacked by what was believed to be his own dog.

The victim died in hospital at around 10pm last night, just hours after the attack in east London.

Officers discovered the man, said to be in his mid-50s, being mauled by a rottweiler-type dog in an east London street shortly after 7am yesterday.

Police had to distract the dog before chasing it away, but not before the man received serious head wounds. The dog was later destroyed.

The incident occurred in Newham and police from nearby Forest Gate arrived at the scene to find the dog attacking the man.

The beast - described as being dangerously out of control - was contained while armed officers were called to the scene out of fear for the safety of other people.

The injured man was taken by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the incident.