A couple who had to be rescued from their Brighton flat after being attacked by their dog have spoken of the “heartbreaking” decision to have the pet put down.

Shane Nicholls, 43, and his partner, who did not want to be named, were rescued by firefighters after barricading themselves in their bedrooms in the high-rise in Ashton Rise.

Yesterday’s Argus told how the dog attacked the pair as they argued on Sunday morning.

Mr Nicholls said: “Patch was such a lovely dog. This was not like him at all.

“It was a heartbreaking decision but it had to be done. If it ever attacked anyone else I would never forgive myself. I’ve got a grandchild so I couldn’t risk it.”

Mr Nicholls and his partner lived with the four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier in the Courtlands block.

Fighting back the tears, Mr Nicholls’ partner said: “He was a real softy, I am going to miss him so much.

“Staffies get a bad press but they are so lovely. They are affectionate and friendly. This was just a one-off.

“I’ve been a mess since, I haven’t stopped crying. I feel terrible because we have acted as the judge, jury and executioner based on one event.”

The couple both received puncture wounds following the attack and were sporting bandages and dressings yesterday.

They told how they had been having a “silly row” over Mr Nicholls getting up late when the dog attacked.

It first went for him before biting his partner. She said: “Our injuries are still painful but nothing like the pain of knowing we have sent him to his death.

“I feel guilty. It was a silly row and he probably just reacted to us raising our voices. It’s been a very emotional few days.

“I’m going to miss him so much. You only had to say “kiss” and he would come and hug you and kiss you. It broke my heart when he was taken away.”

Mr Nicholls added: “I just want to put the record straight.

“He was not a dangerous dog and this was a freak one-off. It was a heartbreaking decision but I had to do it."