‘Banned’ killer dog which mauled man to death attacked schoolboy just DAYS earlier

A banned pitbull terrier which mauled a man to death in east London had attacked a schoolboy just days before the deadly incident, shocking footage has revealed.

Leanne McDowell, 32, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

The dog, named Prince, is accused of killing 42-year-old Akif Mustaq in a second-floor flat in Stratford shortly before 4.30am on Wednesday.

Mustaq suffered fatal injuries to his neck, windpipe, thumb and thigh in the attack at McDowell’s home, prosecutor Ramandeep Mahajan told the court.

The Metropolitan Police seized the animal – which locals have called a “big fearsome dog” that scared them – following the incident.

But now, footage has been turfed up by the Mirror showing the brown dog violently lunging at a young boy’s face as he walked home from school on November 18.

A witness said: “The boy was aged about seven years old. He was screaming in fear, terrified. It was a frantic situation.”

“The dog ran straight for the boy and jumped up and tried to bite his face.

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“I think the dog got hold of his coat – and being such a powerful animal, he swung this poor lad right onto the floor.”

The boy’s father desperately tried to help as the dog maintained its grip on the child’s coat before attempting a second attack.

Though shaken, the youngster appeared unharmed after the incident – and police came to check out the scene several hours later.

But on Wednesday, emergency services were called to Shirley Road, Stratford at 4.53am to reports of a serious attack.

CCTV footage showed McDowell being escorted from her home in handcuffs at 5.46am.

A neighbour reported that police had inquired about “shouting or screaming” – and mentioned hearing cries of “get out, get out”.

At least three police cars, a paramedic car and an ambulance attended the scene after the first police vehicle arrived at 4.30am.

Mustaq was stretchered out of the property at 5.58am and rushed to hospital, where he later died.

The victim’s family has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.

McDowell faces multiple charges, including failing to ensure the dog’s welfare by keeping it in an “unsuitable environment” with insufficient food and debris on the floor.

She is also charged with having custody of a fighting dog banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Additionally, she faces three counts of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing no injury, relating to the November 18 incident with the schoolboy.

McDowell, who was friends with Mr Mustaq according to court proceedings, did not enter any pleas.

She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 6.