- Written by Rachel McMenemy and Nicola Haseler
- BBC News, Essex
image source, Handouts to families
Esther Martin's family said she was the victim of an apparent attack by an XL bully dog in a seaside village.
The family of a grandmother who died after being attacked by a dog said they were angry at the conditions in which the dogs were kept.
Esther Martin, 68, suffered fatal injuries inside a house in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on Saturday afternoon.
Ashley Warren, 39, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offenses but was released on conditional bail until March, police said.
“People complain [about] dogs. That’s not a dog,” her family said.
Martin said he was visiting his 11-year-old grandson at the time.
Essex Police said police believe she was attacked by two dogs at a property on Hillman Avenue in the seaside village.
Ashley Warren arrested and released on conditional police bail
Mr Martin's daughter Sonia Martin, 47, claimed the animals were unregistered XL-sized rambunctious dogs.
She expressed concern that two adult dogs and a puppy had been “trapped in a small cabin.”
“How on earth could that be good for the animals?” he added.
“We're very angry. People are complaining.” [about] dogs. It's not a dog. ”
The mother, from Woodford Green, north-east London, said the dogs' owner told her to intervene with a broom when the puppies started fighting inside the house.
She believed that was when her mother was attacked.
Mr Warren was the partner of Esther Martin's late daughter.
Video: Victim's daughter says neighbors in seaside village tried to help
Martin told the BBC on Sunday that his nephew “ran out of the house screaming for help” and that some neighbors grabbed shovels and tried to “fight off” the dogs.
“I would like to sincerely thank all the neighbors who came to the rescue and tried to save my mother's life,” she added.
“What I was worried about was if my nephew hadn't run out of the house, what would have happened to him at that time? He's 11 years old.”
Neighbors testified that they heard “screaming”.
The family believed the animals were banned XL bully dogs, but police said it would take “several days” to confirm their breed.
Acting Inspector Stuart Truss said: “The investigation into Esther's death is progressing well.
“This is an investigation with many complexities, but we are determined to give Esther's family the answers they need.”
image source, Sean Whitmore/BBC
Hillman Street remained closed while police investigated the fatal dog incident.
Martin said the family knew the dog's owner had previously been forced to move after receiving complaints about the dog from neighbors.
Martin added that the dog's owner is a rapper who has previously used dogs in music videos.
Essex Police said: “A number of puppies have been safely removed from the address and are receiving appropriate veterinary treatment.”
“The puppies will be part of our investigation.”
Giles Watling, Conservative MP for Clacton, told BBC Essex he was “absolutely horrified” to hear about the incident.
XL What is a bully dog and what is the law?
The XL Bully is the largest breed of American bully dog. Other types include standard, pocket, and classic.
The government describes them as “large dogs with muscular bodies and blocky heads,” suggesting great strength and power to them. [their] size”.
In England and Wales, this breed has been added to the list of prohibited dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This means breeding, selling, and abandoning them is illegal.
Exemption certificates that allow owners to keep XL bullies can no longer be applied for.
Dogs that already have a certificate must be kept on a leash and muzzled when in public.
Scotland has also announced a ban, which is expected to come into force later this year.
