Man 'bitten by dog' dies as murder cops appeal for witness after 'altercation'

West Yorkshire Police are currently appealing to witnesses of an altercation which saw one man reportedly bitten by a dog - the 55-year-old victim has since passed away

13:21, 16 Aug 2026Updated 16:28, 16 Aug 2026

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died after being bitten by a dog (Image: CHRIS NEILL)

A man has died after allegedly being bitten by a dog as police have launched a murder investigation following an altercation in Wakefield yesterday afternoon (August 15).

The 55-year-old mans death is being investigated by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team and detectives are making an appeal for any witnesses to come forward, particularly two people who stopped to assist the injured man in Calder Grove area .

Police received calls from 1:36pm of reports an altercation had taken place on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane. The incident reportedly saw the man bitten by a dog, West Yorkshire Police confirmed.

[Police have sealed off the footpath ]

Police have appealed for witnesses, particularly one called Sophie (stock)(Image: CHRIS NEILL)

The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition and sadly died shortly after 7pm last night. A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury and is currently in custody.

A dog, which is understood to have been the one involved in this incident, has been seized by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, 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 women to come forward to help us with our ongoing enquiries into this tragic incident.

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.

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Anyone with information can contact the West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524.

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or online.

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