GRAN KILLED BY 2 ‘BESERK’ DOGS
Animals maul her in garden
AN 85-year-old great-grandmother was savaged to death by two dogs which went berserk after getting into her garden.
Lucille Downer suffered horrific injuries after the huge animals got in from a neighbouring property via a hole in the fence.
It is believed the dogs had escaped from a shed in their garden in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, on Friday afternoon.
Neighbours rushed to Lucille’s aid, but she was confirmed dead at the scene.
Shocked residents said she was dragged around the garden by her neck. One said:
“The dogs just went berserk. The police told us that they were huge and could have taken anyone down. We didn’t hear any screams or anything but they just went wild for around five minutes.
“The dogs have always been a nuisance with noise, so when we heard barking we didn’t really think much of it.”
Another neighbour said: “Apparently they went for her throat.”
Lucille, who emigrated from Jamaica to Britain when she was in her early 20s, was a retired care home cook and lived alone. Her shocked family said in a statement: “We will miss her dearly.”
Police seized the dogs which were described as bull terrier types.
Supt Steve Asquith said: “Tests will be carried out to find out what breeds they are.”
A 43-year-old local man was detained on suspicion of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. He has been released on bail.
WALK THIS WAY
IF you’ve been shielding for months and are nervous about getting back out there among crowds, a walking holiday could be the ideal getaway.
From the Pennines or the South Downs Way to the Norfolk Coast Path and West Highland Way, walking lets you experience Britain close-up.
Plan a walk at nationaltrail.co.uk or book a holiday with the likes of macsadventure.com, hfholidays.co.uk or ramblersholidays.co.uk.
After a year locked down, many of us have craved the outdoors and if you’re feeling particularly brave you could try Britain’s longest walk, the South West Coast Path – 630 miles of spectacular Cornish coast.
If you live alone, check out walking trips for singletons at sites such as solosholidays.co.uk or explore.co.uk.
You’ll need the right gear – walking boots, walking socks, shorts, waterproofs that go over trousers, gaiters to keep the bottom of your legs dry, a base-layer top, a mid-layer fleece and a water and wind-proof jacket, or light jacket for milder days.