Courageous officers praised for trying to save man killed by dog

OFFICERS WHO tried to stop a dog attack which claimed the life of Huddersfield man David Ellam have been described as courageous by a police body.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) yesterday published the findings of its investigation into West Yorkshire Police’s response to the call reporting the attack in 2016 and its earlier decision to return the dog responsible to its owner.

Mr Ellam, 52, died after being attacked by the mongrel bull terrier on August 15, 2016.

Father-of-three Aaron Joseph was jailed for 10 years in February after being convicted of owning a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death.

The IOPC found officers arriving at the scene had successfully fought off the dog and the force had done everything asked of it during earlier assessments of the animal’s breed. However, it went on to recommend further training on how to handle dog attacks against members of the public and more formal procedures for checks on dogs possibly belonging to banned breeds.

Regional director Miranda Biddle said: “We recognise that the publication of our report will once again highlight the tragic circumstances in which Mr Ellam died, but I sincerely hope that our findings provide answers regarding the force’s actions.

“The quick thinking of the officers who arrived to help Mr Ellam cannot be underestimated.

“I share the view of our investigator that they acted rapidly and decisively during a sustained and vicious attack, and it’s only right that they should be commended for their courage.”

The investigation ended in December but publication was delayed until it was decided that an inquest would not be resumed.