A man died from neck and head injuries after being attacked by a dog he was looking after.

Jonathan Hogg was aged just 37 when he died following the attack at a friend's house on Westleigh Lane, Leigh.

An inquest opened into his death at Bolton Coroner's Court today.

The court heard how Mr Hogg. of Lowe Mill Lane, Hindley, had been looking after the dog on behalf of his friend when it bit him, causing fatal injuries to his arm, leg and head.

Police Coroners Officer (PCO) Julie Ann Hyde said: "On May 18 this year, Mr Hogg had been looking after a friend's dogs on Westleigh Lane, Leigh.

"He entered the dogs' pen and one of the dogs attacked him, leaving bite wounds to his arm, leg and head."

St Helens Star: Jonathan HoggJonathan Hogg

Police and paramedics were called and Mr Hogg was taken to Salford Royal Hospital.

PCO Hyde said: "Sadly, he passed away at 2.05am on May 19 at Salford Royal Hospital due to his injuries."

A post mortem exam found Mr Hogg's cause of death to be head and neck injuries.

PCO Hyde confirmed that police enquiries were still ongoing into Mr Hogg's death, but did not know how long they are set to take.

Coroner Prof Dr Alan Walsh ordered for statements to be taken from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Salford Royal Hospital and Mr Hogg's GP.

He did not set a date for full inquest, but set a date for a review on September 1 this year.

Mr Hogg's family previously paid tribute to him through GMP, saying he was "loved by everyone who knew him".

In a statement issued through the police, the family said: "Jonathan was a well-loved, sensitive, and kind person who will never know how loved and appreciated he was by everyone who knew him.

"We have been inundated with messages of support."