Dog walker killed in Surrey attack died from ‘multiple penetrating bites to the neck’

The victim was named on Monday as Natasha Johnson

The dog walker mauled to death by up to eight dogs in a horror incident in Surrey earlier this month died from "multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck" and a wound to her jugular vein, a coroner's court has heard. Natasha Johnson was on Monday named as the victim of the attack at Gravelly Hill, Caterham on January 12. The 28-year-old is believed to have been walking a number of dogs when - reports suggested at the time - one lunged at a woman with a smaller dog. She was then knocked over and couldn't get up as the dogs set upon her. Eight dogs, none from banned breeds, were held following the tragedy. At the opening of an inquest into her death, coroner Simon Wickens expressed his "sincere condolences" to Johnston’s family "and all those touched by her life". He said a post mortem carried out on January 18 recorded a cause of death as shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein. Johnson, he noted, had suffered multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck. The inquest is to begin on 29 June. Johnson’s family recently spoke of their grief following the sudden loss, describing it as an "extremely difficult time for us", especially given the graphic nature of her passing. An 11-stone Leonberger named Shiva is said to be amongst eight dogs taken into police care following the incident, which left another woman injured. The dog had reportedly previously appeared on a BBC show about problematic puppies. No one has been charged over the incident. Police said the dogs continue to be cared for at private kennels to "ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed". Witnesses to the incident suggested earlier this month that Natasha had tried to keep passerby away, telling one to "turn back" as she was being attacked by "multiple dogs". The Mail quoted sources saying the animals were like a "pack of wolves" and that there was "no barking - just her screaming". "She was being attacked, she was trying to sit up, but with the dogs around her and going for her arms she couldn't do it. It was a frenzy," the source told the publisher. Related links:

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