Dog attack horror: Animals got through hole in fence to kill 85-year-old woman
Two dogs which mauled an 85-year-old woman to death got into her back garden through a hole in the fence, police said today.
A 43-year-old man arrested in connection with the fatal dog attack in Rowley Regis, in the West Midlands, has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Boundary Avenue, with one displaying the message "RIP Nan".
Tests are being undertaken to establish the breeds of the dogs.
The property remained sealed off this morning following the incident on Friday, and a large police van was parked outside the house.
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Speaking at a press conference outside West Bromwich Police Station today, Superintendent Phil Asquith said: "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.
"An operation was then underway to secure the dogs. They were tranquilised and transported subsequently to secure kennels where they currently remain and they are being tested to determine their breed.
"Fortunately, these types of incidents are rare. This presented no wider threat to the public. It was a hole in adjacent premises so they weren't running in the streets.
"It was contained and the male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday. He has subsequently been bailed for further inquiries whilst we undertake a forensic post-mortem to determine the cause of death and to determine the breed of the dogs involved."
Armed police, paramedics and an air ambulance were sent to the scene at around 3.20pm on Good Friday but the woman could not be saved.
Neighbours said the dogs appeared to be pit bulls, however this has not been confirmed and a police spokesman said the animals would be examined to establish their breed.
