A 68-year-old grandmother visiting her 11-year-old grandson on Saturday was killed in front of her eyes after she was attacked by two Bully XL dogs, forcing the boy to run to neighbors and ask for help.
“Our officers arrived within minutes but unfortunately the 68-year-old woman died at the scene. […] We believe that Esther [Martin] was attacked by two dogs in the house,” Essex Police Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin said at a press conference, according to The Independent.
At around 4pm on Saturday afternoon, police were called to the private home in Jaywick, UK, after neighbors heard “horrifying” screams coming from the house for about ten minutes, according to British media.
“His grandson was in the house. He ran out screaming for help. We would like to thank all the neighbors who tried to help our mother,” the victim’s daughter, Sonia Martin, told the Chron.
In all likelihood, the dogs belonged to the victim's son-in-law, who in the past had raised concerns about the “dangerousness and aggressiveness” of the two Bully XL dogs and their six puppies, Sonia Martin told BBC.
However, the 60-year-old was reportedly advised to “place a broom between them to distract them” in case they started fighting.
“That’s when she was attacked,” her daughter complained to British media, according to The Independent.
While Essex Police would not confirm the breed of the dogs “destroyed” by officers at the scene, they did confirm the arrest of a 39-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous dog offences.
According to Essex Police, the man was released pending his appearance on March 5.