Witnesses come forward in dog bite murder inquiry

Two witnesses have come forward, following the death of a man who was bitten by a dog on a footpath in West Yorkshire.

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

A 55-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of murder, is being held in custody for questioning after police secured a warrant of further detention.

A German Shepherd dog, understood to have been involved in the incident, has been seized by police officers.

Det Chief Insp Michael Cox said: "The two people who stopped to assist and direct police have both come forward and given their accounts to us.

"I would like to thank them and others who have shared our appeal or come forward with information.

"We are aware of some inaccurate discussion online about the person we have in custody and would urge people to avoid speculation about those involved and what has taken place."

The force said the investigation was continuing "at pace" to understand the events leading up to the man's death.

"We are also offering specialist support to the man's family at this extremely distressing time," Cox added.

The 55-year-old man in custody has also been arrested on suspicion of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury.

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