Police close criminal probe into death of woman killed in dog attack: No one will face prosecution after dog walker, 28, was mauled by pack of crazed animals at Surrey beauty spot

• Woman, still unnamed, attacked by ‘pack of dogs’ in Gravelly Hill, Caterham 
• Eight dogs seized at scene remain in police custody for forensic investigation 

Police have closed their criminal investigation into the death of a woman who was killed by ‘a frenzied pack of dogs’ in Surrey and revealed that nobody has been prosecuted. 

The 28-year-old, as yet unnamed, was believed to have been walking a number of dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham when she was attacked on January 12.

Eight dogs were seized at the scene and remain in police custody subject to forensic investigation, though no prosecutions are being brought against any individuals.

Surrey Police said none of the dogs were banned breeds.

A post mortem was carried out last week and a file is now being prepared for the Surrey coroner who is to open an inquest.

Police at the remote spot Gravelly Hill in Caterham, Surrey , where a 28-year-old woman was mauled to death by the dogs it is believed she was walking

Shiva, an 11st Leonburger, was among eight hounds with the victim. Shiva’s owner says her dog is now ‘missing’

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, said: ‘This is a tragic incident in which a young woman lost her life.

‘I know it has caused real concern locally and I thank the community for bearing with us whilst we conducted our inquiries.

‘The criminal investigation has now concluded and the information we have gathered will be passed to the Surrey coroner to assist in the coronial process.

‘The dogs continue to be cared for at private kennels to ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed.

‘We appreciate this is a difficult and uncertain process for them as the forensic work continues.’

The woman’s family and the owners of the seized dogs have been updated. 

Earlier this month the first picture emerged of one of the dogs – a large Leonberger called Shiva. 

Following the attack, Shiva’s owner posted online that her dog was ‘missing’. 

Another woman was hospitalised and eight dogs were recovered at the scene after police responded following the attack at 2.45pm yesterday

Among the dogs being walked was a couple of dachshunds, (left) a cockapoo (right) – the nation’s favourite breed during lockdown – a collie and Shiva (File photos)

Armed officers were called to reports of a dog attacking members of the public in the remote beauty spot at 2.45pm on the day of the horror attack. 

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 28-year-old woman from London died at the scene.

The dogs are thought to include a Leonberger, a cross between a Newfoundland and a St Bernard and two sausage dogs. It was not clear how many of them attacked the victim and only one of the dogs appeared to be of substantial size. 

A source close to the case earlier told the Daily Mail: ‘She just had too many dogs. You cannot be in control with that amount of dogs. If something happens, it’s like having seven small wolves attacking you. 

‘The dogs were in a frenzy, acting as a pack, and going for whatever was in front of them.’ 

A second woman who received treatment for dog bites was discharged from hospital. 

The owners of dogs that kill someone can be jailed for up to 14 years or face an unlimited fine or both. 

A police officer at the scene of the tragedy, where a forensics tent had been erected

A woman lays flowers where the dog mauling took place to pay her respects 

A 60-year-old woman on horseback previously spoke of seeing a blonde woman wearing a beige jacket, on the ground, sitting but never quite managing to stand up. 

‘When we saw her she was about 50ft away,’ the horsewoman told The Mail on Sunday.

‘She was swamped by at least four medium-sized dogs, maybe more, attacking her, pulling her at arms and sides and she was screaming and shouting.’ But perhaps surprisingly, there was no barking.’

The horsewoman, who believes she was the last person to see the victim alive, added: ‘The dogs must have been on the lead because they were in such close proximity.

‘I don’t know why they kicked off the way they did. Maybe a couple were fighting with each other and she tried to intervene, and she got in the way and they saw red and just kept going.

‘When she saw us she shouted: ‘Turn back, turn back!’.

‘I cannot see how she could have got up. Once you’re down and the dogs are attacking like that, how you could get up? I imagine that is where the police found her.’

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