British Armed police shot dead two pit bull-type dogs after six animals went on the rampage in a town centre, attacking members of the public.

Dramatic video footage showed officers opening fire as several dogs circled them in Bolton, Lancashire, on Sunday morning.

Moments later, at least six shots were fired, with members of public posting images of the dead animals on Twitter.

Armed officers were called to Chorley New Road, Bolton, Manchester on Sunday morning after emergency services at the scene reported a pack of dogs that were “dangerously out of control,” according to a police statement.

A 60-year-old woman had been bitten on the hand and a man on the leg while a dog was seriously injured when armed police were deployed to the scene to control the vicious pack.

Superintendent Chris Allsop, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Highly trained officers responded quickly to the scene and took control to avoid the situation from escalating.

“The officers acted with our number one priority in mind: to protect people and prevent them from harm.

“I’d like to thank to the public for their patience and full cooperation as we remain at the scene and carry out our enquiries.”