Man dies after dog attack in Huddersfield

Animal had previously been seized by police over fears it was dangerous

The man is understood to have been walking his dog at the time of the attack (Getty Images)

A man has died in Huddersfield after being attacked by a dog that had previously been seized by police over fears it was dangerous.

West Yorkshire Police responded to a call at 9:48am on Monday reporing that a man in his fifties had been attacked by a dog in the Sheepbridge area of Huddersfield.

The 52-year-old man was discovered to have serious injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with potentially life threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at 9pm on Tuesday.

The dog suspected of being responsible for the attack had been returned to its owner by police just seven days before, after being siezed by authorities over fears it was a banned breed. It had been released to its owner after a screening found the breed was not banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The incident has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Comission (IPCC).

The victim is understood to have been walking his own dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, near his home at the time of the attack.

Police have detained the suspected dog in kennels and arrested its 29-year-old male owner. An investigation has been launched.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift of the homicide and major enquiry team, who is leading the investigation, said: "Clearly our thoughts go out to the family at this tragic time. They are understandably devastated by what has happened and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"Our investigation is continuing. We believe that the victim was out with his own dog at the time of the attack near to his home address on Riddings Road. His dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, was also injured during the incident and received emergency vetinary care."