Woman was walking 'number of dogs' at time of deadly mauling attack in Surrey
Tap above to watch Carolyn Sim's report from Surrey
A woman who died after a dog attack on a country lane in Surrey had been walking 'a number' of dogs at the time of the incident, police believe.
The 28-year-old, from London, died at the scene in Caterham on Thursday afternoon. Police and paramedics were called at 2:45pm to reports that members of the public were being mauled on Gravelly Hill.
The victim's name has not yet been released but her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Another woman who was injured and received treatment for dog bites has since been discharged from hospital, Surrey Police said.
A total of eight dogs were detained at the scene by officers and remain in the custody of police.
The dog's owners have been identified by police and are being updated as officers continue the investigation.
Police cordons were lifted on Friday night following the incident at the beauty spot.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, senior investigating officer, said forensic work at the scene has now been completed.
She said: “Specialist teams have been carrying out forensic work at the scene but this has now been completed and the area has re-opened to the public.
“I know this incident has caused real concerns locally and officers from the local neighbourhood team will be out in the area to provide reassurance for residents."
Inspector Lyndsey Whatley said: "This is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly lost her life and our thoughts are with her family and friends.
"I know that yesterday’s events will be of real concern to the local community and I would like to reassure residents that we are confident all the dogs involved are in the custody of police whilst we investigate the circumstances of what has happened.
Surrey Police's Inspector Lyndsey Whatley speaks about Thursday's dog attack:
"Officers will remain in the area of Gravelly Hill today whilst enquiries continue and if you have any information but have not yet spoken to police then please contact us."
The leader of Surrey County Council, Cllr Tim Oliver, said: "It's a terrible incident. It just sounds absolutely shocking and I'm sure that the police will be following it up."I don't know what can be done but something needs to be done to prevent this from happening again, most certainly."
Richard Bream, who runs the nearby Mardens Kennels, said he had never heard of a dog attack in the area before.
He said: “That particular area, View Point, is an area where professional dog walkers will turn up in their van and take the dogs out and walk them.
“I’ve always felt you see some of these dog walkers have five or six, and they shouldn’t be able to do that.”
A woman walking a border collie past one of the police cordons, who asked not to be named, said she was shocked by the incident.
She said: “It’s a nice circular woodland walk and we’ve never had any issues before. It is so shocking, normal dogs surely wouldn’t do that.”
Anyone with information can contact Surrey Police quoting PR/45230004384
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