The family of a man who was killed in a dog attack in Derby last week has paid tribute to him, saying ‘words can’t explain the pain’.
Wayne Stevens, 51, died at the scene on the city’s Cameron Road, with the dog being shot dead by police.
Derbyshire Constabulary said the animal ‘was presenting a risk to officers and the public was shot and killed by firearms officers’.
Yesterday, officers announced that 53-year-old Gary Stevens had been charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act following the incident early on Saturday morning.
He is accused of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, and is set to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court today.
Tributes to Wayne appeared on social media over the weekend, with his family members expressing shock at his death.
His brother Scott wrote on Facebook: ‘R.I.P big brother Wayne Stevens words can’t explain the pain fam.
‘It was only 4 days since we had a beer, love you so much.
‘I hope you meet dad in heaven and work your problems out cuz your neighbors for eternity now so make peace.’
Julie, Wayne’s sister, wrote: ‘R.I.P to our dear brother Wayne aka trend.
‘I can’t believe it, still in shock to hear the news. You’ve really gone why can’t it just be a dream that we can wake up from.
‘We will love you always bro and you will forever be missed, fly high in paradise until we meet again.’
Derbyshire Police said in a statement yesterday: ‘Formal identification has taken place, and the victim has been named as 51-year-old Wayne Stevens.
‘Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time.’
