Woman Killed by Dogs While Visiting Grandson

A 68-year-old woman, Esther Martin, was fatally attacked by dogs during a visit to her grandson in Jaywick, Essex. A 39-year-old man has been arrested for harboring dangerous dogs, which were subsequently euthanized.

The breed, believed to be prohibited XL bully dogs, is being identified by experts. The grandson, 11, escaped to alert neighbors who attempted to intervene. Ms. Martin's daughter expressed gratitude to the locals for their efforts.

Esther Martin was a mother, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of three. At the time of the attack, she had concerns about the dogs' aggressive behavior.

The tragic incident has profoundly affected her family; she was remembered as someone rebuilding her life after a loss and looking forward to future events, such as her other daughter's wedding.

Police praised the officers' courage during the incident and encouraged the public to help with the ongoing investigation. Tributes have been paid to Ms. Martin by the community.

Breed and Legal Context of XL Bully Dogs

XL bullies, a type of American bully dog, are large, muscular animals banned under the UK's Dangerous Dogs Act. Owners of XL bullies must secure a Certificate of Exemption, which involves insurance, neutering, and a fee.

These dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public settings. Scotland is set to implement a similar ban later in the year.