Pensioner killed in ‘sustained’ garden attack after dogs escaped through fence

A pensioner was killed in a “sustained” attack in her garden by two dogs that escaped from a neighbouring property through a hole in the fence, police said.

The 85-year-old victim suffered multiple injuries in the “horrific” incident on Friday afternoon on Boundary Avenue in Rowley Regis, West Midlands Police said.

The owner of the two dogs, a 43-year-old man, who was arrested shortly after the incident, has been bailed pending further inquiries.

On Saturday morning, floral tributes were left on the victim’s drive, with one displaying the message “RIP Nan”.

The property remains sealed off and a large police van was parked outside the house.

“Our officers attended, by which point the dogs had returned through a hole in the fence to the adjacent property and then, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, that lady died at the scene.

“An operation was then under way to secure the dogs. They were tranquilised and transported subsequently to secure kennels where they currently remain and they are being tested to determine their breed.

“It was contained and the male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday. He has subsequently been bailed for further inquiries whilst we undertake a forensic post-mortem to determine the cause of death and to determine the breed of the dogs involved.”

Asked what injuries the victim had suffered in the incident, Superintendent Asquith said: “The dogs will have unfortunately carried out a fairly sustained attack so there were multiple injuries, mainly caused as a result of the delay in getting into the garden.

Speaking about the breed of the dogs, Superintendent Asquith said: “They were two large dogs but we cannot speculate.

“The DNA samples have to be taken to determine the specific breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (to see if) they are specific breeds that are banned – and I can’t speculate as to whether or not they are banned dogs.”

Superintendent Asquith said neighbours responded “very quickly” to the pensioner being attacked and family members were able to access the garden quickly as they lived nearby.

He added: “Fortunately, the actual owner returned home and was able to get the dogs back into their area at the adjacent premises.”