A MAN tasered by police after stabbing his dog to death snapped following the death of his wife, neighbours said last night.

Horrified residents were woken by the spaniel’s screams shortly after 6am yesterday.

They could only watch powerless as the 63-year-old – who has not been named by police – repeatedly stabbed the spaniel outside his home in Lusby Crescent, Bishop Auckland.

Armed police fired a baton round and tasered the man after he threatened officers and refused to put the weapon down.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and taken to Bishop Auckland Police Station where he was medically examined.

He was later transferred to a local hospital and will be questioned at a later date.

A distressed neighbour, who witnessed the whole incident but did not want to be named, said she had woken to the sounds of a dog whimpering and rushed to call the police.

“It was awful,” she said, visibly shaking.

“I watched him take the dog and repeatedly stab it.

“There was blood everywhere. I could not believe what was happening.

“I never would have expected this to happen. I used to see him walking his dog all the time.”

Another resident said: “I think he lost his wife a few days ago and it made him flip. This was completely out of character for him. He loved that dog and used to walk it three times a day. There has never been any trouble before.

“He has lived there for three years. I didn’t really know him, but I used to see him all the time. He seemed a lovely man.”

Two police officers guarded the cordoned-off scene yesterday while detectives continued to investigate the incident.

Superintendent Graham Hall, of Durham Police, said: “This man was clearly threatening officers and we were only able to arrest him after he was subject to a taser discharge. We were able to contain and resolve this incident very quickly, which clearly demonstrates the value of having less lethal options.

“Officers will remain at the scene today to reassure the local community that no one else is at risk. If anyone has any concerns, they can contact their local neighbourhood team.”

No one else was in the house at the time of the incident and no police or members of the public were hurt.

Witnesses have been asked to call police on 101.