Family pay tribute to man mauled to death by dog

Mr Ellam, 52, died after being attacked by the dog last Monday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the circumstances of his death, which came a week after the animal was returned to its owners after being seized by police amid fears the dog may be a dangerous breed.

In the statement the family thanked emergency service for trying to save Mr Ellam’s life.

They said: “David was born in Huddersfield and so proud of the town.　

“He was also very proud of Imogen, Henry and Martin his niece and nephews and loved spending time with them and teasing them a lot.　

“Throughout his work life he had various jobs including working in a bakery, working at Ellis furniture, running pubs and clubs and more recently working as a lollypop man - a job that he really loved doing.　

“In his spare time, he has been doing volunteering with both the Royal Voluntary Service and Carers Count. He loved doing this. He was also an integral part of the walking football at the zone which he had been going to since it first started four years ago.　

“He had a quirky sense of humour and family called him the gadget man because he loved his electronic toys.　

“His biggest passion was Huddersfield Town who he had followed all his life and was a season ticket holder. He had been all over the country supporting them and looked forward to all their games.　

“As a family we would like to thank the staff at HRI who did everything in their power to save David. We would also like to thank the police officers who were by our sides on Monday and keeping us up-to-date on what was happening.”

The IPPC has said it will look at police actions prior to Mr Ellam’s death, including the decision-making around the removal, testing and return of the dog.