A postal workers’ union has expressed its sympathy to the family of a man savaged to death by a dog.

The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) spoke out in the wake of a dog attack on postmen in Meltham.

Last month a postman was left with serious injuries to his arm after he was set upon by what was thought to be a Staffy-type dog in Golcar Brow Road.

And last week a second postman was also bitten, forcing Royal Mail to suspended deliveries to 120 homes.

The Royal Mail warned that residents with dogs that harmed postal workers may face private prosecution if police did not take action against them.

Speaking after the death of lollipop man David Ellam, 52, in Sheepridge, Dave Joyce, CWU national health and safety officer, said: “This is another tragic loss of life and a big concern to our union.”

Mr Joyce, who spearheaded the union’s successful Bite-Back campaign to revise the UK’s dangerous dogs laws, added: “The CWU sends condolences to the family and friends of the victim, but we’ve done this on too many occasions now.

Undated West Yorkshire Police handout photo of David Ellam

“Although our campaign succeeded in changing and toughening up the law and sentences, this latest death – the 30th since 2005 – highlights again the danger posed by dogs.

“How many more lives must be lost before more effective action through adequate resources and controls are put in place?

“We still get 3,000 to 4,000 attacks on our members every year and this must stop.”

CWU has been campaigning for changes to the UK’s dog control laws through its Bite Back campaign, which was set up in 2008 following near-fatal attacks on two postal workers in Sheffield and Cambridge.

CWU’s campaign has achieved new laws in Scotland and Northern Ireland and legislation is being drawn up in Wales.

Mr Joyce added: “We cannot allow this situation of dog attack deaths to continue at the present rate. It’s not acceptable in a civilised society.”