Murder inquiry launched after man dies following dog attack in West Yorkshire

A murder investigation has been launched after a 55-year-old man died following an incident involving a dog on a public footpath in West Yorkshire.

The man was involved in an altercation on a disused railway line off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield, at around 13:30 BST on Saturday.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He later died shortly after 19:00.

West Yorkshire Police has arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, causing injury.

The man remains in police custody while officers continue their investigation.

The dog believed to have been involved in the incident has been seized by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Cox said officers were working to establish exactly what happened during the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to speak to two people who stopped to help the injured man, including a woman named Sophie.

The two witnesses are believed to have assisted the injured man and helped direct officers to the location.

Detective Chief Inspector Cox urged both people to contact police, saying their accounts could be important in helping investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

The initial altercation took place in an area used by walkers, and police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard any part of the incident to come forward.

Officers are also asking anyone who was walking in the area at the time, or who may have information about the dog or the people involved, to contact West Yorkshire Police.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.