- By Rachael McMenemy
- BBC News, Essex
Image source, Family Handout
Esther Martin’s family said she was the victim of what they believed was an XL bully dog attack in the seaside village
The family of a grandmother who was killed after being attacked by dogs have said they are angry at the conditions the animals were kept in.
Esther Martin, 68, was fatally injured inside a home in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on Saturday afternoon.
Her son-in-law Ashley Warren, 39, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences but has been released on conditional police bail until March.
“People complain [about] the dogs; it’s not the dogs”, her family said.
Ms Martin was visiting her grandson, 11, at the time, they added.
Essex Police said officers believed Ms Martin was attacked by two dogs inside a property in Hillman Avenue in the seaside village.
Ms Martin’s son-in-law Ashley Warren was arrested and released on conditional police bail
Ms Martin’s daughter Sonia Martin, 47, claimed the animals were unregistered XL Bully dogs.
She raised concerns that the two adult dogs and puppies had been “kept penned in a small chalet”.
“How the hell can that be any good for an animal?” said added.
“We’re very angry. People complain [about] the dogs; it’s not the dogs.”
She said her mother, from Woodford Green, in north-east London, was told by the dogs’ owner to intervene with a broom when puppies in the house began fighting.
She believed it was at that point that her mother was attacked.
Watch: Victim’s daughter said neighbours in the seaside village tried to help
Sonia Martin told the BBC on Sunday that she believed the animals were banned XL bully dogs, however police have said work to confirm the breed of the animals would take “some days”.
Acting Det Supt Stuart Truss said: “We’re making good progress in our investigation into Esther’s death.
“It is an investigation with a number of complexities, but we are determined to give Esther’s family the answers they need.”
Image source, Shaun Whitmore/BBC
Hillman Avenue remained cordoned off while police investigated the fatal dog attack
On Sunday, Ch Supt Glen Pavelin said the suspect’s relationship to Ms Martin – who was a grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of three – was “familial”.
She said the family were aware the dog’s owner had previously had to move due to complaints from neighbours about the dogs.
The dog’s owner is a rapper who had previously used the dogs in music videos, Ms Martin added.
Essex Police said: “A number of puppies were safely removed from the address and have received appropriate veterinary care.
“The puppies will formulate part of our investigation.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
