Woman who died in Jaywick dog attack 'was visiting grandson'
Grandmother Esther Martin has been named by police as the victim of the dog attack
A woman who died after being attacked by two dogs in Essex was a 68-year-old visiting her 11-year-old grandson, according to reports.
The incident happened in the coastal village of Jaywick on Saturday afternoon and is thought to have involved two XL Bully type dogs.
A 39-year-old man from Jaywick, who is related to the victim, has been arrested.
Essex Police said its officers were called to Hillman Avenue shortly after 4pm on Saturday where they found the woman seriously injured in a house.
Police confirmed Esther Martin, from Woodford Green, London, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences and is being questioned by detectives.
The dogs had to be destroyed inside the house and police said that experts would confirm their breed later.
The victim’s daughter, Sonia Martin, from Chesterfield, told MailOnline: “They were XL Bullies. There were eight of them in the house, six puppies and two adults.
“Her grandson was in the house. He came running out shouting for help. We would like to thank all the neighbours who tried to help our mum.”
Essex Police said it was trying to establish the circumstances which led to the incident, but added there was no wider threat to the community.
Chief Supt 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."
He praised the "unflinching bravery" of police who went into the house to deal with the incident and destroy the dogs.
He also thanked local people who tried to get into the house to help Ms Martin, saying they should be proud of their actions.
He added: "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.”
He added he had not been informed of any information about previous complaints made about the dogs involved in the incident.
Mr Pavelin said the suspect remains in custody for questioning.
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with Essex Police quoting incident 723 of 3 February.
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