Murder inquiry opens after death of man bitten by dog in West Yorkshire

Detectives say 55-year-old man arrested and appeal for anyone who witnessed altercation in Wakefield

Police in West Yorkshire have launched a murder investigation into the death of a man after he was bitten by a dog.

Officers were dispatched to Wakefield just after 1.30pm on Saturday, after receiving reports of an altercation a short time earlier on an old trainline footpath.

During the altercation a 55-year-old man was bitten by a dog. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died shortly after 7pm.

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury, police said, adding that he was in custody.

Police seized a dog which was understood to have been the one involved in the incident.

The homicide and major inquiry team are investigating the man’s death and detectives appealed for any witnesses, including two women who stepped in to help the victim, to come forward.

DCI Michael Cox 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 inquiries into this tragic incident.

“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 detectives via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524.