On Monday 23 January, an 83-year-old man was attacked in the rear garden of his home in Rowan Road, Brentford by a pit-bull type dog which had escaped from a neighbour’s garden.
The dog caused bite lacerations to the victim’s right leg and knocked him over, resulting in injuries to his left side and hand.
The victim attended West Middlesex Hospital for treatment. The matter was reported to police who attended the next day and recorded details of the incident.
On Sunday 29 January, the victim was found dead in his home by his son.
He has been formally identified as Leslie Trotman of Rowan Road, Brentford.
A special post-mortem examination took place at Fulham Mortuary on Thursday 2 February. Cause of death was found to be haemorrhage resulting from a rupture to the spleen.
Officers believe these injuries were sustained during the attack by the dog.
The matter is now being treated as manslaughter, and the investigation has been taken on by the MPS Homicide & Serious Crime Command under Detective Chief Inspector Charles King.
On Wednesday, 8 February, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was taken to a west London police station and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries.
Police are appealing to anyone who has any knowledge of this incident to contact them on 020 8721 4054. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
= Three dogs have been seized from an address is Rowan Road, Brentford.
