Grandmother died from 'unsurvivable' XL Bully bites while visiting her 11-year-old grandson

22 February 2024, 10:58

Esther Martin died after being attacked by two XL Bullies, inquest hears
Esther Martin died after being attacked by two XL Bullies, inquest hears. Picture: Family handout

By StephenRigley

A grandmother who was savaged to death by XL bullies died of "unsurvivable" dog bite wounds, an inquest heard.

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Police discovered Esther Martin, 68, unresponsive inside a property in Jaywick in Essex, Thursday's hearing in Chelmsford was told.

Coroner's officer Andy Flack said police were called to a disturbance at the address in Hillman Avenue at 4pm on February 3.

He said Ms Martin, who was staying at the address but lived in Woodford Green in east London, was found along with "two large dogs".

"She was unresponsive," said Mr Flack. "Her injuries were unsurvivable."

He said Ms Martin was pronounced dead at 4.47pm, with her medical cause of death recorded as "dog bite wounds to the upper right limb".

Ms Martin had reportedly tried to break up fighting puppies before she was attacked.

Two dogs were destroyed at the scene and were later confirmed by Essex Police to be XL bullies.

Police at the scene of the tragedy in Jaywick
Police at the scene of the tragedy in Jaywick. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Two dogs that mauled and killed grandmother, 68, were XL bullies, police confirm

Read More: 'XL Bully' owner whose dogs mauled grandmother, 68, to death begs for breed to be ‘wiped out’

A 39-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, has been bailed until March 5.

Lincoln Brookes, senior coroner for Essex, suspended the inquest proceedings pending the outcome of the police investigation.

He said: "May I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Martin on what on any view is an extremely tragic death of a loved one."

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