A grandmother who was savaged to death by XL bullies in a UK seaside village died of “unsurvivable” dog bite wounds, an inquest heard.
Esther Martin had been visiting her grandson in Jaywick, Essex, when “two large dogs” viciously attacked her. Coroner’s officer Andy Flack said police were called to a disturbance at the address in Hillman Avenue at 4pm on February 3.
Ms Martin was found unresponsive along with the two large dogs, which were later confirmed to be XL bullies. The dogs were destroyed at the scene and a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences. He has been bailed until March 5.
Ms Martin, who was staying at the address but lived in Woodford Green in east London, was found unresponsive.
“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.
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.”
