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The family of a great-grandmother who was killed in a sustained attack by two dogs in her garden has said they will “be sorely missed.”
Lucille Downer, 85, suffered multiple injuries in the “horrible” incident Friday afternoon on Boundary Avenue in Rowley Regis, West Midlands police said.
The owner of the two dogs, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of being responsible for a dangerously out of control dog, causing death.
He has been released on parole pending further investigations.
Police said the animals had escaped from neighboring property through a hole in the fence before the attack.
In a statement, Ms. Downer’s family said: “Lucille was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who spent her years working as a cook at Bromford House Care Home in West Bromwich.
“Lucille was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the UK in her early 20s. Since she came to the UK, Rowley Regis has always been her home and she will be greatly missed by her family. “
Shortly after the police arrived at the scene, the animals were reassured and taken to a nearby kennel where they are being examined to determine their breed.
On Saturday morning, floral tributes were left on the victim’s path, one of which displayed the message “RIP Nan.”
The property remains sealed and a large police van was parked outside the home.
Speaking at a news conference outside the West Bromwich Police Station on Saturday, Superintendent Phil Asquith said: “Neighbors called to report that an 85-year-old woman was being attacked by dogs from a neighboring property.
“Our officers attended, at which point the dogs had returned through a hole in the fence to the adjacent property and then, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the medical professionals, that lady died at the scene.
“So an operation was underway to secure the dogs. Afterwards, they were reassured and transported to safe kennels where they currently remain and are being tested to determine their breed ”.
Police said Ms. Downer suffered dog bite injuries and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course.
“Fortunately, these types of incidents are rare. This did not pose a broader threat to the public. There was a hole in the adjacent facilities, so they did not run through the streets.
“It was restrained and the male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday. He was later released on bail for further investigation while we conducted a forensic autopsy to determine the cause of death and determine the breed of the dogs involved. “
When asked what injuries the victim had sustained in the incident, Superintendent Asquith said: “Unfortunately, the dogs will have carried out a fairly sustained attack, so there were multiple injuries, mainly as a result of the delay in entering the yard. .
“But I can’t go into the details of the injuries.”
Speaking about the breed of the dogs, Superintendent Asquith said: “They were two big dogs, but we can’t speculate.
“DNA samples must be taken to determine the specific breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (to see if) they are specific breeds that are prohibited, and I cannot speculate whether they are prohibited dogs or not.”
Superintendent Asquith said neighbors responded “very quickly” to the assault of the pensioner, and family members were able to quickly access the garden since they lived nearby.
He added: “Fortunately, the actual owner returned home and was able to bring the dogs to his area in the adjacent facility.”
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
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