By James Simons-
A man has been arrested after his dog mauled a 34 year old to death at a recreation ground after a 34-year-old was attacked in broad daylight in a park area in Fareham, Hampshire.
A 20-year-old man from the town has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. The breed of the animal is currently unknown.
The attack took place at a recreation ground by Hillson Drive at around 10.30am on Wednesday.
Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: ‘We are speaking to people in the area and carrying out other lines of enquiry to establish how the man died.
‘As part of our enquiries a 20-year-old man from Fareham has been arrested on suspicion of being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
‘He has been released from custody without charge but remains under investigation while enquiries continue.’
The victim’s family have been informed and he has not yet been named by police.
The victim’s family have been informed. The man has been named locally as Ian ‘Wiggy’ Symes.
The recreation ground is near a mixed secondary school, a community centre, and a hockey club.
One tribute read: “Wig, my brother from another mother, will miss you so much. Love you, fly high, keep the Stella chilled.”
“Remembering the fondest memories of growing up together. It won’t be the same round here with out you. Keep on strutting, lots of love,” read another.
Mr Symes’ brother Martin visited the park where flowers and messages have been laid at the field as a shrine.
In tribute to his brother, who was known almost universally by the nickname ‘Wiggy’, Martin said: “The past 30 hours have been pretty shocking and very hard to really understand what happened and why.
“Thanks for all the messages and tributes for my brother. It’s very touching to see the flowers and messages left at the field.
“Crazy to think of all the memories I had playing football on that field and the laughs I had in the school just got wiped from the situation that happened.”
He added: “The facts are he was out walking a dog something he loved to do and as sad as it is least he passed away doing something he loved.
“I’m not overly religious but I do believe you go to a better place, and no doubt he’ll be up there already walking his dogs.
“Back with your babies AJ and Roxy and in the loving arms of Mum and Nan.”
Martin said people rushed to help his brother following the attack. He said: “The people that were on the scene from the start should be very proud of how they reacted to the situation.
“They tried their best in a very bad situation something that no one should have to be put through.”