Dogs that fatally mauled walker being held in custody

EIGHT dogs are still being held by police after a 28-year-old dog walker was mauled to death in a Surrey beauty spot.

The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was set upon and killed by the dogs she was walking during a frenzied attack in the North Downs Way, near Caterham, on Thursday afternoon.

In an update on the investigation yesterday, Surrey Police said a veterinary pathologist has been drafted in with a forensic pathologist to ascertain what happened. The force said: “The eight dogs seized by officers at the scene remain in the custody of police and their owners are being kept updated.”

The victim of the attack, who was from London, has yet to be formally identified and a post mortem examination is due to take place later this week, police said. But in their first statement on the tragedy, her family said it was an “extremely difficult time”.

They continued: “As well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting has been a source of additional distress. We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.”

The Daily Telegraph understands that among the animals seized are two dachshunds and an 11-stone leonberger – a large breed often used as guard dogs.

Police said no illegal dog breeds were involved in the attack.