The eyewitness told how two of the loose dogs charged her
A woman mauled to death in Surrey this week reportedly screamed at passers-by to “turn back” and was attacked by “multiple dogs”, a witness has said.
Sky News reported on Saturday that the victim, a 28-year-old from London who has not yet been identified, warned an eyewitness to turn back after she came across the scene at Gravelly Hill, Caterham, on Thursday.
The victim was a dog walker and police seized eight dogs after being called to reports of an attack around 2.45pm. A second woman also required treatment for dog bites, but has since been discharged from hospital.
The eyewitness told Sky News she was riding a horse with her friend when they saw the woman who was killed on the ground “being attacked by multiple dogs”.
Sue Dove said: “She screamed at us to turn back and with that, two of the loose dogs ran towards us and the horses… my horse spun round and bolted and I eventually fell.”
The witness said she felt “sadness” for the victim, but also was “frustrated people are able to walk so many dogs”.
“This lady was clearly out of control for whatever reason, had fallen to the ground, being attacked.”
Police confirmed on Friday that they had detained eight dogs at the scene who remain in the custody of police. Their owners having been identified and informed as “the investigation continues”.
Police believe they have all the dogs involved in the incident.
No arrests have been made.
Inspector Lyndsey Whatley, Borough Commander for Tandridge, said: “This is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly lost her life and our thoughts are with her family and friends.
“I know that yesterday’s events will be of real concern to the local community and I would like to reassure residents that we are confident all the dogs involved are in the custody of police whilst we investigate the circumstances of what has happened.”
Whatley said members of the public should contact the force quoting PR/45230004384 via their website, www.surrey.police.uk, or its reporting tool, or by calling 101.
Jenny Gaffney, Liberal Democrat Councillor at Tandridge District Council, said the community has been left shocked by the attack: “It’s absolutely shocking and it’s incredibly sad for the poor lady who died and the woman who has been injured.
“We’re all waiting to find out what happened. There’s an awful lot of speculation on social media at the moment which isn’t helpful for the family of the poor lady who died.”
The death of Ann Dunn, 65, in October was the ninth fatal attack in 2022, making it the deadliest year on record.
Related links:
- Dog walker, 28, identified as woman killed in savage attack as eight dogs are seized
- 21 school kids injured after two dogs attacked their playground
- Woman mauled to death by two hunting dogs during morning stroll
- Two kids killed and mum in hospital with horrific injuries after pet pit bulls turn on them in savage attack
