Esther Martin, 68 (pictured) from Woodford Green, London - had previously told the dogs' owner that they were dangerous
Esther Martin, 68 (pictured) from Woodford Green, London - had previously told the dogs' owner that they were dangerous
A woman who was savagely mauled to death by two suspected XL Bully dogs last night was a grandmother visiting her grandson, MailOnline can reveal.

Essex Police officers were called to a property at Jaywick Sands, near Clacton-on-Sea, at around 4pm yesterday, where they found a woman who was seriously injured.

Officers believe she was attacked by two dogs, and the animals were later destroyed.

The police said the breeds are yet to be determined, but the family have claimed they were XL Bully dogs.

The woman died at the scene, and Essex Police said it was trying to establish the circumstances which led to the incident.


MailOnline can reveal the woman who tragically died was Esther Martin, aged 68, who was in the area visiting her eleven-year-old grandson.

The boy came out 'shouting for help' when the attack happened, the family said.

Her daughter told MailOnline that the family found out at 10pm last night, when police visited her Chesterfield home.

She said her mother - from Woodford Green, London - had previously told the dogs' owner that they were dangerous.

Sonia Martin, 47, was at the scene this morning along with siblings Paul Martin, 45, and Kelly Fretwell, 46.

She told MailOnline: 'They were XL Bullies. There were eight of them in the house, six puppies and two adults. None of them neutered, not registered.

'The owner's words were "no one is going to tell me what to do with my own f*****g dogs."

'Mum had raised concerns about the dogs, over their breed and their temperament.

'Her grandson was in the house. He came running out shouting for help.

'We would like to thank all the neighbours who tried to help our mum.'

A 39-year-old man from Jaywick was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dogs offences and remains in custody, Essex Police said.

Officers added that there was no wider threat to the community and the scene is now safe for members of the public.

Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin said: 'Experienced detectives are leading the investigation to identify exactly what has happened.

'My thoughts, and those of our officers and staff, are with the family of the woman who died yesterday.

'This incident will be a huge shock to the community and I understand their concerns.

'We'll have officers in the area throughout today so please come and speak to them if you have any information or are worried.

'Experienced detectives are leading the investigation to identify exactly what has happened.

'I know there will be speculation about the breed of the dogs involved.

'We're waiting for confirmation from experts about this before releasing further details and I'd ask people not to speculate.

'If anyone has any information about what has happened please contact us.'

Those with CCTV or other footage of the incident should contact the police, quoting incident 723 of February 3.