Man, 55, dies 'after being bitten by German Shepherd on footpath' - as police arrest its owner on suspicion of murder

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 08:39 EDT, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 09:21 EDT, 16 August 2026 A dog owner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after his German Shepherd allegedly killed a man on a public footpath.A 55-year-old man died after he was reportedly attacked by the animal, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday afternoon.West Yorkshire Police have said the death allegedly followed an altercation in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield at around 1.30pm.The force has confirmed to the Daily Mail that a German Shepherd was involved in the incident. Police received reports at 1.36pm that a man had been bitten by a dog shortly after an altercation on the old train line footpath, off Blacker Lane.The 55-year-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition. However he died shortly after 7pm last night.A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place causing injury and is currently in custody.The German Shepherd, which is understood to have been the one involved in the incident, has been seized by police.Detectives have appealed for any witnesses to come forward, particularly two people who stopped to assist the injured man. A 55-year-old man died after he was attacked by the German Shepherd, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday. Pictured: Police and paramedics at the scene Police received reports of the alleged dog attack shortly after 1.30pm. The man was rushed to hospital but died shortly after 7pm last night A 55-year-old man has been arrested and a dog, believed to be the one involved in the attack, has been seized by policeDetective Chief Inspector Michael Cox, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: 'Sadly, a man has died and it is really important that we understand the circumstances of what has taken place.'We know that two people, one named Sophie, stopped to assist the injured man and direct officers. 'We would urge these two women to come forward to help us with our ongoing enquiries into this tragic incident.'The initial altercation has happened in an area used by walkers and we are urging anyone who has potentially seen or heard any part of the exchange between these two men to please make contact.'Anyone with information has been asked to call 101, quoting crime reference 13260465524.Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.The Daily Mail has approached West Yorkshire Police and the ambulance service for further comment.