The family of a Hendon butcher who had a heart attack and died after his greyhound was viciously attacked by another dog have spoken of their shock and horror.

Michael Harrington, 66, was walking his two greyhounds through Gobions Wood, in Brookmans Park, at about 8.30pm last Wednesday, when one, Danny, slipped his lead and was savagely mauled.

After calling the police to report the incident, Mr Harrington, a retired butcher and greyhound trainer who spent more than 50 years of his life in Hendon, suffered chest pains and died outside his house, in Oakland Avenue.

It is believed the dog was a Staffordshire bull terrier owned by a neighbour.

Mr Harrington's daughter, Wendy Harrington-Pike, is certain the trauma of the attack caused his death.

She said: "My father was a big chap. He worked all his life as a butcher, had three kids, and walked his dogs at least twice a day. He was fit and healthy and nobody expected this. It's horrific, a real shock.

"He was a lovely man and everyone has been trying to help. Letters have been pouring in from people saying he was the pillar of the community."

Mrs Harrington-Pike, 35, added that incidents like this are common in the area.

"It happens a lot. Recently a 75-year-old neighbour had a bull terrier sink its teeth into his spaniel. Many people are only interested in these dogs for fighting; they goad them on.

"We want these people not to be allowed to own dogs."

The injured greyhound is currently recovering at the Royal Veterinary College, in North Mymms, after suffering a skull fracture and large gashes to its chest and legs.

Hertfordshire police are investigating the dog attack, but are not treating the death as suspicious.

Mr Harrington leaves his wife, Sally, three daughters and six grandchildren.

His funeral is being held on Wednesday, at Hendon Crematorium, at 10.45am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

His family have requested donations to be made to the Retired Greyhound Trust rather than flowers.