The dogs had gone berserk
Great-gran killed in attack is named
A GREAT-GRAN aged 85 savaged to death by two dogs was yesterday named as Lucille Downer.
She suffered horrific injuries after neighbours said the “huge” animals got into her garden through a holed fence then “went berserk”.
It is thought they had escaped from a nearby shed in Rowley Regis, West Midlands.
A local man of 43, detained on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, has now been released on bail while enquiries continue.
A family statement said: “Lucille was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who spent her working years as a cook at Bromford House Care Home in West Bromwich. Lucille was born in Jamaica and emigrated to the UK in her early 20s. Since arriving in the UK, Rowley Regis has always been her home and her family will miss her dearly.” There were reports that a neighbour tried to save Lucille and others rushed to help after the attack on Friday. But she was confirmed dead at the scene.
One local, who heard the dogs barking, said: “They just went berserk. We didn’t hear any screams – but they just went wild for around five minutes.
“The dogs have always been a nuisance with noise so we didn’t really think much of it.
“It was only when the police told us what happened that it clicked. They told us they were huge dogs.”
The animals were tranquilised and seized by police after the attack. Locals said they were bull terrier types. Police had yesterday sealed off Lucille’s home, where she lived alone. Several bouquets on the drive included one with the poignant message: “RIP Nan.”