Manhunt for two dogs suspected of killing a man in Birmingham

West Midlands Police A brown dog, probably an American Bulldog, looks into the camera. — West Midlands Police has released this picture of one of the wanted dogs

Police are urgently searching for two dogs they believe were involved in the killing of a man found dead outside a house in Birmingham.

The 33-year-old man, who was looking after his brother's dogs, was found dead in the back garden of a house in Rubery on Wednesday.

According to police, two dogs were confiscated, but they were hunting two other American bulldogs, which are not among the banned breeds.

“The investigation into his death is ongoing and our priority at this time is to find the other dogs we believe may have been involved,” said Superintendent Sally Simpson.

At a press conference on Thursday, Insp. Leanne Chapman of West Midlands Police's dog squad said they were aware that at least two dogs were missing, but there could be a third dog.

She clarified: “Everything indicates that these are two outstanding dogs.”

She said one of the two dogs already seized had suffered “head injuries” and it was possible that the other dogs being sought also suffered injuries.

Two hours after the call to the police, video footage showed two dogs on a nearby property, although it is unclear whether they are the missing animals.

Anonymous black and white surveillance footage of a light and a dark dog roaming around a nearby property — Two hours after the call to the police, video footage showed two dogs on a nearby property, although it is unclear whether they are the missing animals.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, police were called to Hereford Close because several dogs had run away.

They found the victim outside and took the two dogs with them.

Insp. Chapman confirmed that the dogs had lived in the house where the man was found, but the victim lived elsewhere.

“He did not live on this property,” she explained. “The dogs were related to him, but they were not his dogs.”

“As far as the police know, there is no case in which these dogs have bitten.”

There was no information to suggest that the dogs were not well cared for, she added.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the man's cause of death.

Police said they believe he was “attacked by at least one dog, which may have contributed to his death.”

Insp Leanne Chapman said it was possible the missing dogs, who may be together, were injured or hiding

A woman in a black police top with a zipper. She stands in front of a police building and some hedges — Insp Leanne Chapman said it was possible the missing dogs, who may be together, were injured or hiding

Police were called to a house on Hereford Close early on Wednesday morning.

A street with two police cars and barriers, in the distance a policeman in a safety vest stands against a wall — Police were called to a house on Hereford Close early on Wednesday morning.

The police have released a picture of one of the wanted dogs.

Police said they were looking for another similar dog, described as black.

Superintendent Simpson said the man's family was being supported.

Officers are searching house to house and reviewing video surveillance footage.

Drones are also used to search further afield.

West Mercia Police have also confirmed that they are taking part in the search.

Insp. Chapman urged anyone with information to get in touch.

“We urgently need to hear from anyone who has seen these dogs and it is vital that if you see them you do not approach them but call 999 immediately,” she said.

“Similarly, if you or someone you know has taken in the dogs after you found them lost, you must call us as soon as possible.”