WOODFORD GREEN, ENGLAND – A visiting grandmother was fatally attacked by dogs over the weekend, leading to the arrest of a man on suspicion of dangerous dog offenses.
Esther Martin, 68, from Woodford Green, was at her grandson’s house on Saturday, at Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, when two dogs resident at the house launched the deadly assault. In an unfortunate turn of events, the 68-year-old succumbed to injuries sustained from the attack.
As part of the response to the incident, Essex Police confirmed that a 39-year-old man had been taken into custody in relation to potential dangerous dog offenses. He is due to be released on conditional bail until 5th March, pending further investigation.
Addressing the incident, Acting Detective Superintendent Stuart Truss stated, “We’re making good progress in our investigation into Esther’s death.” He noted that though this case is fraught with complexities, the agency is keen on delivering the much-needed answers to the bereaved family.
Experts have also been called upon to help identify the breed of the dogs involved in the attack, a process anticipated to take several days.
Esther Martin’s daughter, Sonia Martin, 47, stated that the dogs in the property were adult XL bully dogs, a breed that she alleges her mother had previously expressed concern over due to their aggressive tendencies. Sonia Martin revealed that six puppies were also present in the property.
XL bully dogs were outlawed by the UK government in December 2023 following various fatal attacks involving the breed, making it illegal to sell, abandon, let stray, give away, and breed such dogs, or to have them in public without a lead and muzzle.