Man Dies After Dog Attack in Wakefield
Police appeal for witnesses, including a woman named Sophie, after a fatal incident on a public footpath in Calder Grove.
Sarah Connor
A 55-year-old man has died following a dog attack on a public footpath in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon, around 1.30pm, on an old train line footpath in the Calder Grove area, just off Blacker Lane.
Police received reports at 1.36pm, detailing an altercation in an area reportedly popular with walkers.
The victim was rushed to hospital in critical condition, succumbing to his injuries shortly after 7pm.
Authorities arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and for owning a dog dangerously out of control; he remains in custody.
The dog involved in the fatal incident has been seized by police.
Michael Cox stated, "Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place."
Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place.
The homicide and major inquiry team now spearheads the investigation into the death.
Detectives are urgently appealing for witnesses, specifically two women, one named Sophie, who stopped to assist the injured man.
Michael Cox confirmed, "We know that two people, one named Sophie, stopped to assist the injured man and direct officers."
He added, "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."
Authorities urge these two women to come forward immediately to assist with ongoing inquiries into the tragic incident, with Cox stating, "We would urge these two women to come forward to help us with our ongoing inquiries into this tragic incident."