Hundreds of tributes have been paid to a Huddersfield man who died after being savaged by a dog at his Sheepridge home.
David Ellam, 52, was attacked by his neighbour’s Staffy-type dog as he tried to protect his Yorkshire terrier in Riddings Road on Monday morning.
Since news broke that Mr Ellam had died hundreds of messages of condolence have been posted on social media.
Michael Derrick Snr posted: “It was only the other day I passed him in the local shop. Can’t believe it. Left me shocked all day, may god bless him R.I.P.”
Tara Khan posted on Facebook: “Poor guy. Thoughts are with his family.”
Neil Beaumont posted: “Great bloke and a great Town fan. My thoughts are with his family at this tragic time RIP my friend.”
Fiona Arundel also posted: “RIP. So shocked when I saw his photo and realised who it was :( X thoughts with your family X”
Sandi Bee: "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones ,sending my deepest sympathy to each and every one of you. So very sad r.i.p David."
Karen Wilkinson: "R.i.p. David and my condolences to your family a life taken too soon so sad xx"
Kirsty Hirst: "R.I.P David (dodgy) such a lovely man.my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends xx"
Paula Jones: "Very very sad indeed, thoughts and prayers are with his family, may David Rest in Peace."
Bobby Blue Conroy: "R.I.P David aka Dodgy good man worked with him at ellis for a number of years deep respects to the family."
Fiona Whittlestone: "RIP. Such heartbreaking news. Thoughts are with David's family and friends."
Jean Bellenger: "My heart goes out to this mans family, there must be questions need answering now, R.I.P. David, xx"
Karen Reynolds: "Thoughts with family & friends. Rest in peace."
Mr Ellam’s family have asked for privacy at this time but his cousin Kimberley Berry posted on Facebook thanking the public for their support at such a difficult time.
Ms Berry said: “Thank you everyone for your kind comments. He was a lovely guy and I’m honored to call him my cousin. He will be sadly missed by anyone who met him and knew him.”
Meanwhile police enquiries are continuing following the attack which happened at 9.45am on Monday when Mr Ellam was out with his own dog a Yorkshire Terrier called Rolo.
Mr Ellam lived in a downstairs flat while the owner of the other dog – a Staffy-labrador-cross – lived upstairs.
Police say Mr Ellam was treated by paramedics and taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. He died later that day.
The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after police revealed they had seized the dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act but returned it to its owner after it was found not to be a pure-bred pit bull.
The dog was only returned last week.
