West Yorkshire Police is now waiting to hear if it will be investigated into the dog attack which claimed the life of Sheepridge man David Ellam.

The 52-year-old suffered horrific injuries when he was savaged by his neighbour’s dog at the door to his home on Riddings Road at 9.45am on Monday and died in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary around 9pm that night.

The dog called Alex is thought to be a Staffy-Labrador cross and is currently detained in to kennels by police.

Police had seized the dog in June and had only just returned it to its owner before the deadly attack. As a result of this the West Yorkshire Force voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they are now assessing if the force has a case to answer.

An IPCC spokesperson: “The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has received a referral from West Yorkshire Police in relation to this matter and this will now be assessed to determine if an IPCC investigation is required.”

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They could decide the force has no case to answer, but alternatively could also start a formal investigation.

In June this year, a dog warden visited the house on Riddings Road following concerns from members of the public about the dog. A referral to police was made following concerns the dog may be a dangerous breed – a banned pit bull terrier.

Scene of dog attack in Sheepridge

The dog was seized by police and following a screening it was determined the animal was not a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The dog was returned to its owner on August 10.

After the attack the 29-year-old dog owner was arrested in connection with the incident and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

He lives in an upstairs flat above Mr Ellam’s home.