CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Homicide investigators and animal control officers are investigating after an 8-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of pit bulls in west Charlotte.

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VIDEO: Emotional neighbors describe the deadly pit bull attack

It happened around noon Friday on Brentwood Place while the child was playing in his yard.

Police say the four dogs involved in the incident are family pets belonging to the victim's father.

Police say a neighbor and a mailman, who chased the dogs away with a 2-by-4 inch board, came to the boy's aid.

The dogs have been confiscated and quarantined by animal control officials pending further investigation.

Animal control officers had to tranquilize one of the animals.

The child was taken to Carolinas Medical Center where he later died.