(Image: SWNS)
A MAN charged with manslaughter following the death of a 55-year-old man who was fatally injured in a dog attack in Wakefield will appear in a Bradford court this morning.
West Yorkshire Police said Lee Ellis, 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove in Wakefield, has been charged with manslaughter and being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bradford Magistrates' Court today.
The case was originally due at Leeds Magistrates' but the venue changed due to a fire alarm.
Police scene
On Saturday, August 15, police were called to reports that a 55-year-old man had been bitten by a dog on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane at 1.36pm.
The victim suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he died shortly after 7pm that evening.
A German Shepherd was seized as part of the investigation and remains in police kennels.
In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said the family of the man who died are continuing to be supported by specially trained officers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A police cordon in place
(Image: SWNS)
Police statement in full
In a statement, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "A man is due to appear in court this morning after being charged in connection with the death of a man in Wakefield on Saturday.
"Lee Ellis, aged 55, of Blacker Lane, Calder Grove, Wakefield, has been charged with manslaughter and being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death."
The spokesperson added: "The charges relate to an incident on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane on Saturday afternoon.
"A German Shepherd dog seized as part of this investigation continues to be held in police kennels.
"The family of the 55-year-old man who died are being supported by specially trained officers."