A 55-year-old man has died after being bitten by a dog described as 'dangerously out of control' along a footpath in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The incident occurred on an abandoned railway line off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, near the village of Crigglestone, at approximately 1:30pm. The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after 7pm the same day.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
West Yorkshire Police have issued an appeal for two women who stopped to assist the injured man to come forward. One of the women is named Sophie. Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox stated: 'Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place.' He added: '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.'
Arrest and Investigation
A man, also aged 55, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, causing injury. He remains in police custody. The dog involved has been seized by authorities. Photographs shared by the citizen journalism outlet YappApp show police cars and ambulances at the scene on the footpath.
Context and Appeal
The initial altercation took place in an area frequented by walkers. Detective Chief Inspector Cox urged anyone who witnessed any part of the exchange between the two men to contact police. He said: '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.' The investigation is ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
