East London Grandmother died of ‘unsurvivable’ dog bite wounds according to inquest

A grandmother from East London who was found dead inside a property in Essex died of “unsurvivable” dog bite wounds, an inquest heard.

Police discovered Esther Martin, 68, unresponsive inside a property in Jaywick, along with “two large dogs,” Thursday’s hearing in Chelmsford was told.

Coroner’s officer Andy Flack said police were called to a disturbance at the address in Hillman Avenue at 4pm on February 3.

He said Ms Martin was staying at the address but lived in Woodford Green in east London.

“She was unresponsive,” said Mr Flack. “Her injuries were unsurvivable.”

He said Ms Martin was pronounced dead at 4.47pm, with her medical cause of death recorded as “dog bite wounds to the upper right limb”.

Ms Martin had reportedly tried to break up fighting puppies before she was attacked.

Two dogs were destroyed at the scene and were later confirmed by Essex Police to be XL bullies.

A 39-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, has been bailed until March 5.

Lincoln Brookes, senior coroner for Essex, suspended the inquest proceedings pending the outcome of the police investigation.

He said: “May I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Martin on what on any view is an extremely tragic death of a loved one.”