A woman has died, and another was taken to hospital after a dog attack in Caterham yesterday (12 January).
Armed police, the National Police Air Service and paramedics were called to Gravelly Hill at 14:45, after receiving reports of a dog attacking members of the public.
The 28-year-old woman, from London, was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has not yet taken place, but specialist officers are supporting her next of kin. It is believed she was walking a number of dogs when the incident took place.
Eight dogs were detained and taken into police custody. The owners of the dogs have been identified, and unconfirmed reports say that none are thought to be banned breeds.
A second woman, who is believed to be unconnected to the deceased, is receiving treatment for bites: her condition is not life-threatening.
Inspector Lyndsey Whatley, the 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.
Officers will remain in the area of Gravelly Hill today whilst enquiries continue and if you have any information but have not yet spoken to police then please contact us."
MP for East Surrey Claire Coutinho posted a message on her Facebook page, thanking the paramedics and Surrey Police for their efforts at the scene.
Forensic work continues to be carried out at the site and a police cordon remains in place.
You can contact the police, quoting PR/45230004384:
- Webchat – surrey.police.uk
- Online reporting tool – surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
- Telephone – 101
(Above: Gravelly Hill, Caterham – the scene of the dog attack. Credit: Google Maps)
