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A dog owner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after his pet allegedly killed a man on a public footpath.

A 55-year-old man died after he was attacked by the out-of-control animal, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday afternoon.

West Yorkshire Police have said the death followed an altercation in the Calder Grove area of Wakefield at around 1.30pm.

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.

A dog, 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 out-of-control animal, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday. Pictured: Police and paramedics at the scene

Detective 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.'