A pensioner was killed in a “sustained” attack in her garden by two dogs that escaped from a neighbouring property through a hole in the fence, police said.
The 85-year-old victim suffered multiple injuries in the “horrific” incident on Friday afternoon on Boundary Avenue in Rowley Regis, West Midlands Police said.
The owner of the two dogs, a 43-year-old man, who was arrested shortly after the incident, has been bailed pending further inquiries.
The animals were tranquillised and taken to a nearby kennels where they are being tested to determine their breed.
Yesterday morning, floral tributes were left on the victim’s drive, with one displaying the message “RIP Nan”.
Superintendent Phil Asquith said yesterday: “Neighbours called to report that a woman, 85 years of age, was under attack from dogs from a neighbouring property.
“Our officers attended, by which point the dogs had returned through a hole in the fence to the adjacent property and then, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, that lady died at the scene.
“The male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday. He has subsequently been bailed for further inquiries whilst we undertake a forensic post mortem.”
Superintendent Asquith said neighbours responded “very quickly” to the attack and family members accessed the garden within minutes as they lived nearby. He added: “Fortunately, the actual owner returned home and was able to get the dogs back into their area at the adjacent premises.”
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