Murder inquiry launched after man dies from dog attack on footpath in West Yorkshire

Police in West Yorkshire have launched a murder inquiry after a man died from injuries sustained in a dog attack on a public footpath in Wakefield.

The incident

The 55-year-old victim was injured in an altercation on a disused railway line off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield, at approximately 13:30 BST on Saturday. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died just after 19:00 the same evening.

West Yorkshire Police said a German Shepherd dog, believed to have been involved in the attack, has been seized by officers.

Arrest made

A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and of being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, causing injury. He remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox said: "Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place." Police are appealing for two people — one of whom is called Sophie — who stopped to help the injured man, to come forward as potential witnesses.