A PENSIONER who was fighting for his life in hospital after being bitten by a dog has died.

The 73-year-old was bitten by a dog, believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier, at Naze Court in Old Hall Lane.

He suffered acute blood poisoning following the incident, which happened sometime between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday, June 25.

The pensioner was passing a man with a dog when the animal bit him on his right leg, causing a small wound.

The victim returned home but became unwell two days later.

Det Insp Gary Biddle, of Clacton CID, said the man was admitted to hospital, where he sadly died as a result of his injuries.

“We are trying to establish what happened and would like to speak to the dog owner and any witnesses who can help us with our enquiries," he said.

"We are treating the dog owner as a witness at this time and are keen to talk to him to establish what occurred."

The man is understood to have contracted septicaemia - severe blood poisoning - a serious complication of an infection.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton CID on 101.