Murder investigation launched after man dies following dog attack near Wakefield footpath
The attack took place on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane on Saturday evening
A murder investigation has been launched after a 55-year-old man died following an altercation on a popular footpath in Wakefield during which he was bitten by a dog.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) were called at 1:36pm on Saturday (August 15) following reports of a disturbance on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield.
Police received calls reporting an altercation that had taken place a short time earlier during which a man had been bitten by a dog.
The victim suffered critical injuries and died shortly after being rushed to hospital at 7pm the same evening.
West Yorkshire Police arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and owning a dog dangerously out of control in a public space causing injury.
The man remains in police custody, while officers confirmed a dog understood to have been involved in the incident has also been seized.
Investigating officers are making an urgent appeal for witnesses, specifically two people who stopped to assist the victim at the scene.
Speaking on behalf of West Yorkshire Police, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, leading the HMET investigation, 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 people to come forward to help us with our ongoing enquiries into this tragic incident.
The detective continued: "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 that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact HMET via the West Yorkshire Police live chat facility or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524.
Anonymous information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.