Dogs that mauled grandmother to death in Jaywick were XL bullies, police say

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Two canines that fatally attacked a grandmother in Jaywick were XL bullies, Essex Police has mentioned.

Esther Martin, 68, was killed at a house in Hillman Avenue on Saturday after reportedly making an attempt to break up combating puppies.

She had been visiting her 11-year-old grandson when the tragedy occurred, with neighbours describing “horrific” screaming.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver mentioned the bodily options of the 2 canines destroyed on the scene by officers were examined by a police-trained canine knowledgeable and a forensic autopsy examination was carried out on them by a veterinary scientist.

“Through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL bullies,” Mr Weaver mentioned.

He added: “I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important we got that information right and established the facts.”

A 39-year-old man arrested after the grandmother was fatally attacked has been launched on bail.

The sufferer’s daughter, Sonia Martin, mentioned the canines were of the XL bully breed – which was banned at the beginning of this month – with a complete of six puppies and two adults in the property.

Police arrived “within minutes”, however regardless of the efforts of six officers in addition to by members of the general public, Ms Martin died on the scene.

The 39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of harmful canine offences, who detectives mentioned has a familial relationship with the sufferer, has been launched on conditional bail till March 5.

In a press release launched on Monday, Mr Truss mentioned: “We’re making good progress in our investigation into Esther’s death.

“It is an investigation with a number of complexities, but we are determined to give Esther’s family the answers they need.

“We are working with experts to confirm the breed of the dogs. This may take some days but it’s really important we get it right.

“I would ask people not to speculate about this element – we will establish the facts and we will keep the community in Jaywick updated.”

He added: “We’re continuing to support Esther’s family. They have asked to be able to grieve in peace”.

Ms Martin, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, informed the BBC that her mom had beforehand expressed considerations in regards to the “dangerous and aggressive dogs”.

She informed the broadcaster: “There were adult XL bully dogs in the property, and my mum had raised concerns to the owners about them being dangerous and quite aggressive. There were also six puppies.”