A 55-year-old man has died in hospital after being bitten by a German Shepherd in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on August 15. Police have arrested another 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury.
The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition following the attack on a path in the Calder Grove area. He died shortly after 7pm the same day, according to West Yorkshire Police.
Investigation launched by Homicide and Major Enquiry Team
West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "An investigation has been launched into the death of a man following an altercation in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield yesterday afternoon (Saturday 15 August). The man's death is being investigated by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team and detectives are making an appeal for any witnesses to come forward, particularly two people who stopped to assist the injured man."
Police received calls from 1.36pm reporting an altercation that had taken place a short time earlier on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane during which a man had been bitten by a dog. The dog believed to have been involved has been seized by police.
Appeal for witnesses who stopped to help
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."
How to provide information
Anyone with information can contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team or call 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524. Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or online.
