Police had to give a dog a powerful electric shock after its owner collapsed and died.

The man, who has not been named, was walking his pet Alsatian in Seathorpe Avenue, Minster, when he collapsed.

Neighbours called 999 for an ambulance but paramedics could not get near the man, who was on the ground and being protected by his dog.

The paramedics were forced to call police for help.

A witness said: “The dog was guarding its owner and refused to let anyone near.

"Police Tasered it and then had to Taser it again before anyone could get near the man.”

A police spokesman confirmed: “Police attended and a Taser was used on the dog, which was being aggressive towards the emergency services attempting to approach the man.

“The man was moved into an ambulance to allow paramedics to treat him. But he was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.

The dog was treated at the vets and has made a full recovery. It is now with the owner’s family.

The incident happened at 5.30am on Tuesday, February 16, and has only just been made public.

A spokesman for the coroner confirmed there will be no inquest.