Wakefield murder probe continues as police question arrested man

Detectives investigating the death of a 55-year-old man following an altercation in Wakefield have been granted more time to question a man arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police received calls from 1.36pm on Saturday (Aug 15) reporting an altercation that had taken place a short time earlier on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane in Wakefield, during which a 55-year-old man had been bitten by a German Shepherd dog.

Two people stopped to assist the injured man and direct police.

The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died shortly after 7pm that evening.

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury.

A German Shepherd, which is understood to have been the dog involved in the incident, was seized by police.

The man's death is being investigated by officers from West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

Detectives initially appealed for the two people who stopped to assist the man to come forward.

Police have since confirmed that both have been identified and spoken to.

A warrant of further detention has also been authorised for the 55-year-old man arrested, allowing detectives more time to question him.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, 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.

“If there is anyone else who was in the area at the time of this incident or anyone else who has information that could assist our enquiries, then I would ask them to please make contact with the investigation team.

“We are continuing to question the man who we have in custody, and our enquiries are continuing at a pace to understand the events leading up to this man’s death.

“We are also offering specialist support to the man’s family at this extremely distressing time.”