A vigil is to be held this weekend in memory of a man killed in an XL Bully attack - now being investigated as murder - in Houghton-le-Spring. 

Ian 'Scouse' Langley, 54, was walking his new puppy Beau on Maple Terrace, near his Shiney Row home when he was fatally injured by a dog believed to be of the XL Bully breed by police.

The dog was destroyed at the scene, and a second animal was seized. A  44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 

Now, the Shiney Row community has organised a vigil for the father of one Ian, originally from Liverpool, to take place on Sunday, October 8, at 6pm. 

The service has been advertised as "everyone welcome" to "show [our] respects to our good friend Scouse."

Organising the vigil on Facebook, Charlene Richmond wrote: "We're having a special balloon release for Scouse, anyone who would like to join us please meet at Maple Terrace, Shiney, on Sunday, October 8, at 6pm. 

"Let's all come together to show our respects to our good friend Scouse, the amazing kind hearted fella he was. 

"Let's show him how much he means to us all. Everyone is welcome."

Following the attack, friends paid tribute to Ian, who was well known in the community. 

Friend Rachael Barron, 31, said: "It's absolutely devastating that this has happened to him, he is a lovely, kind man.

"He's very slight of build and could not hurt a fly, he would have stood no chance against a dog as big as that, it makes me feel sick to think about it.

"Scouse would come to our house three or four times a day and would stay for meals or just to chat.

"He split up with his partner a little while ago and lived alone but he liked company so would come over just to chat and he was lovely with our children.

"He has a son of his own who lives abroad, it is such a tragedy for him as well."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: " A murder investigation has been launched after a man was fatally injured by a dog in Sunderland.

"Shortly before 6.55pm yesterday, we received a report that a dog had injured a man outside of an address on Maple Terrace in Shiney Row.

"Emergency services attended the scene and the man, aged 54, was taken to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.

"Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly passed away last night.

"The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. We ask their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

"A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm.

"Following the man’s death, he has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.

"The dog was destroyed at the scene to ensure the safety of the public.

"While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an XL Bully breed.

"A second dog, also believed to be an XL Bully breed, was also seized as a precaution.

"Our thoughts go out to the man's family and loved ones at this tragic time.

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"A full investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of what has happened.

"There is no risk to the wider community, and officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance and carry out enquiries.

"While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe those involved were known to each other."