Personal Injury Solicitors

The death of a 52-year-old man from Huddersfield who died after a dog attack has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), after it emerged the dog involved in the attack had been returned to its owner by the police officers who considered it safe.

The attack took place in Sheepbridge on Monday (15/08/16) – police have confirmed the identity of the man who later died of his injuries following the dog attack as David Ellam.

Police say enquiries are ongoing – and Mr Ellam’s family has requested privacy from press intrusion at this time.

Officers in Huddersfield say that police received a call at 9.48am on Monday, reporting that a man in his fifties had been attacked by a dog in the Sheepbridge area of Huddersfield.

Officers attended at the scene and found a 52-year-old man with serious injuries.

The man was treated by paramedics and taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with potentially life threatening injuries. Doctors pronounced him dead at 9pm that evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift of the Homicide and Major Inquiry Team is leading the investigation and said in a police statement:

“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 veterinary care.”

The dog suspected of the attack has been detained in kennels by police.

In June this year, a dog warden visited the address following concerns from members of the public about the dog. A referral to police was made following concerns the dog might be a dangerous breed.

As a result, police seized the dog – but following screening, the police decided the animal was not a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The dog was returned to its owner on 8 August.

Police say that a 29-year-old man – who is the owner of the dog – has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Animal Attack/Dog Bite Claims

Duncan Lewis offers supportive legal advice to those who have suffered injury in unprovoked animal attacks or dog attacks on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Personal injury claims have to be made within three years of injury or conviction following a police inquiry and/or prosecution.

Duncan Lewis can advise on animal attacks which take place on private or public land– including injuries sustained at petting zoos, riding stables, on farmland, or in public spaces such as parks.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Animal Attack/Dog Bite Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.