Update on investigation into reported dog attack in Caterham

Due to the nature of this incident, officers are working with both a forensic pathologist and a veterinary pathologist and these enquiries will take some time to complete.

Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, the senior investigating officer, said: “Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this young woman’s sad death continue and we will provide further updates when possible.

“We know this incident has caused real concern in the local community and neighbourhood officers have been out in the area speaking to local residents over the past few days. 

“We continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances whilst enquiries are underway.”

The young woman who died was aged 28 and from London. She has yet to be formally identified.

At this time her family have said: “This is an extremely difficult time for us and 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 eight dogs seized by officers at the scene remain in the custody of police and their owners are being kept updated.