A 55-year-old man has died after being bitten by a dog on a footpath in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday afternoon. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died shortly after 7pm the same day.
Arrest and seizure
Another 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury. He is currently in custody. The dog believed to have been involved has been seized by police.
Investigation and appeal
West Yorkshire Police said an investigation has been launched into the man's death, with the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team leading the inquiry. Detectives are appealing for witnesses, particularly two people who stopped to assist the injured man.
Police received calls at 1.36pm reporting an altercation on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane. Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place. We know that two people, one named Sophie, stopped to assist the injured man and direct officers. We would urge these two women to come forward to help us with our ongoing enquiries into this tragic incident.”
He added: “The initial altercation has happened in an area used by walkers and we are urging anyone who has potentially seen or heard any part of the exchange between these two men to please make contact.”
Anyone with information can contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or online.
