An inquiry has been launched after a dog killed a man in West Yorkshire exactly a week after being returned to its owner by police.

Members of the public raised concerns about the animal’s behaviour earlier in the summer, leading to a visit to the owner’s home in the Sheepbridge area of Huddersfield from a dog warden.

The warden alerted police that the dog was suspected of being of a breed outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

It was taken in but examinations confirmed that it was not one of the four banned breeds – Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro – and it was allowed to go home seven days before the latest incident took place.

The emergency services were called to reports of a man being attacked by a dog in the area shortly before 10am on Monday morning.

He suffered serious injuries and paramedics treated him at the scene, before taking him to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Despite all efforts to save him, the 52-year-old died at around 9pm that evening.

Police arrested a man aged 29 who is believed to be the owner of the dog responsible for the attack. He was later released on bail while the investigation continues.

Officers believe the victim had been walking his own Yorkshire Terrier near his home in Riddings Road. The pet was given emergency treatment by vets after being injured in the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift said: “Clearly our thoughts go out to the family at this tragic time. They are understandably devastated by what has happened and are being supported by specially trained officers.”

West Yorkshire Police have referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The Dangerous Dogs Act came into law in 1991 and was introduced after a spate of high-profile attacks were reported in the media.