Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 55-year-old man in Wakefield, Yorkshire, who died after being bitten by a German Shepherd on Saturday afternoon. A dog owner, also 55, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.
West Yorkshire Police received reports at approximately 1:36 p.m. on Saturday that a man had been bitten by a German Shepherd in the Calder Grove area, off Blacker Lane. The injured man was transported to a hospital in critical condition but died shortly after 7 p.m. the same day.
The arrested dog owner is currently in custody, and a warrant has been issued for his further detention as the investigation continues. The German Shepherd involved in the incident has been seized by police and is being held in kennels.
Detectives have spoken to two individuals who provided assistance to the victim at the scene of the incident, which occurred near an old train line footpath. The area, a normally quiet route through a wooded area along a disused railway line, remained cordoned off by police as the investigation proceeded.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team thanked those who have come forward with information and urged the public to avoid speculation about the incident and the individuals involved. He stated that inquiries are ongoing to understand the events leading up to the man's death and that specialist support is being offered to the victim's family.
Local residents have noted that the area is typically quiet and frequented by dog walkers. Some social media posts following the incident have mentioned previous concerns about dogs roaming loose in the vicinity.
Police are appealing for anyone with further information to contact them by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524, or to provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.