Breaking
DOG TRAGEDY
Jaywick dog attack: Mum, 68, mauled to death named as Esther Martin as cops arrest man, 39, and put down two beasts
A MUM who was mauled to death by two dogs has been named and pictured for the first time as cops arrested a man.
Essex Police said its officers were called to Hillman Avenue in Jaywick shortly after 4pm on Saturday where they found Esther Martin, 68, seriously injured.
4
4
4
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, who is from the village, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences and is being questioned by detectives in custody.
The dogs had to be destroyed and experts will confirm their breed later.
A force spokesperson said: "We have been carrying out inquiries to establish the circumstances which led up to the incident and we believe she had been assaulted by two dogs."
Read more News
The scene is now safe for members of the public, they added.
Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin said: "My thoughts, and those of our officers and staff, are with the family of the woman who died yesterday.
"This incident will be a huge shock to the community and I understand their concerns.
"We'll have officers in the area throughout today so please come and speak to them if you have any information or are worried.
Most read in The Sun
Dangerous Dogs Act explained
After eleven horrific attacks in 1991, Home Secretary Kenneth Baker promised "to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs" by introducing the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The law is often considered controversial as it focuses on a dog's breed or looks instead of an individual dog's behaviour, and fails to stem the rise of dog attacks.
According to the RSPCA, over a third of the people killed by dogs since the act was brought in were attacked by legal breeds.
"Experienced detectives are leading the investigation to identify exactly what has happened.
"I know there will be speculation about the breed of the dogs involved.
"We're waiting for confirmation from experts about this before releasing further details and I'd ask people not to speculate.
"If anyone has any information about what has happened please contact us."
Contact the force online quoting reference 723 of Saturday, on information can be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
4
Topics