Professional walker dies after dog attack

Fareham dog walker and trainer Ian ‘Wiggy’ Symes has died after being attacked by a dog at Fareham Park Recreation Ground, Hampshire.

Symes, 34, was walking a customer’s dog when he was attacked on Hilson Drive on 10 August.

Reports suggest that Symes may have had a seizure before the dog he was with attacked him.

Meanwhile, police arrested a 20-year-old man from Fareham on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. The man has now been released without charge but remains under “investigation”.

Locals said that ‘Wiggy’ was “never seen without a dog” and had a “heart of gold”.

His brother, Martin Symes, told the Daily Mail: “He was out walking a dog, something he loved to do, and, as sad as it is, he passed away doing something he loved.”