Emergency services were called to the Hillson Drive recreation ground in Fareham on Wednesday, August 10, at 10.25am. The victim, named by friends as Ian ‘Wiggy’ Symes, was pronounced dead by paramedics who attended the scene that morning. Tributes have been placed on a fence at the site in memory of Mr Symes. A resident who lives near the park said she had been friends with ‘Wiggy’ since they were students. The woman, who did not want to give her name, said Simes’ father had come to her home to break the news of his son’s tragic death. He said: “[Symes’] The father came and told us that his son had died. “I heard he was out walking a dog, but it wasn’t his dog that attacked him. “We met on holiday in the Isle of Wight when I was around eight. READ MORE: Man killed by dog at Hillson Drive park in Fareham “It’s such a shock… He was so nice and so good to me.” He was known to walk his dog in the area and do odd jobs, as reported. A 20-year-old man, who lives in the area, was arrested on suspicion of being the owner or keeper of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He was released from custody but remains under investigation. A dog has been secured and is being removed from the scene, while the victim’s family has been informed. Posting on Facebook, one person said: “So sad to hear that our beautiful heart Wiggy Symes passed away this morning. “So many childhood memories with you Wig, the most loyal protector on earth. RIP angel. “Thinking of the whole Wig family.” Another said: “RIP Wiggy Symes I can’t believe I’m writing this to be honest. “It’s a very sad day – fly high my friend.” Another friend said: “I can’t believe Wiggy Symes got another person so soon.” One man added: “I was saddened to hear about the death of Wiggy Symes. “I grew up with you and always took care of me and my sister growing up! Take it easy up there, big man x.” A woman who lives next to the field, who did not want to be named, said: “Wiggy was coming to see if he could do some gardening. He was walking dogs and people.”
