Wakefield dog attack: Police name man charged with manslaughter over fatal dog attack

A man has been charged with manslaughter over a fatal dog attack in Wakefield.

Lee Ellis, aged 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court later today (August 18). He has been remanded in custody, West Yorkshire Police said.

The incident happened on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane on Saturday (August 15) afternoon. A 55-year-old man died after being bit by a German Shepherd, which has been seized by police as part of the investigation and is being held in kennels.

Ellis has been charged with manslaughter and being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

The family of the 55-year-old man who died are being supported by specially trained officers.

A cordon remained in place at the scene on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane yesterday (August 17). Pictures showed police tape around the walkway and a force vehicle parked at the entrance to a nearby agricultural property on Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “The two people who stopped to assist and direct police have both come forward and given their accounts to us.

“I would like to thank them and others who have shared our appeal or come forward with information. We are aware of some inaccurate discussion online about the person we have in custody and would urge people to avoid speculation about those involved and what has taken place.

“If there is anyone else who was in the area at the time of this incident or anyone else who has information that could assist our enquiries, then I would ask them to please make contact with the investigation team.”

Speaking to SWNS, one dog-walker said: "We don't normally get any trouble here, it's very quiet.

"The path wear it happened is a well-trodden route, there's a lot of dog-walkers. I just feel so sorry for the man who died."