A postman has been  badly mauled in a horrific  dog attack in a Huddersfield  village.

Jason Lee suffered a terrible  injury to his arm as he protected  his face when the dog struck in  Meltham.

The wound is so severe it has  been described as potentially  life-changing.

The 41-year-old is now in a  specialist unit at Bradford Royal  Infirmary where he has undergone  plastic surgery.

The dog struck when Mr Lee  approached the house in Copley  Avenue at 12.15pm on Tuesday.

Copley Avenue in Meltham
Copley Avenue in Meltham

The dog ripped a large chunk of  flesh from his forearm.

A spokesman for the Communication Workers’ Union said: “It  has bitten a large lump of flesh and  muscle from his forearm, causing a  large hole.

“He is not very well and is under  sedation at Bradford Royal Infirmary where he is being visited by his  family. This is possibly a life-changing injury.”

The union official said there was  still a concern about the number of  postal deliverers attacked by  dogs.

He added: “We are launching a  big campaign next week which will  encourage customers to be more  responsible.

“We get a huge increase in dog  attacks during the summer when  doors are open and dogs are running free.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “A man was left with  serious arm injuries as a result of  the incident.

“Inquiries are currently continuing to establish the full circumstances.”

The dog has not been seized by  police but officers are due to speak  to its owner today.