A WOMAN was mauled to death in a ferocious dog attack yesterday.
The 28-year-old, believed to be a dog walker, was out with seven hounds in Caterham, Surrey, when she was savaged.
A second woman was taken to hospital with non life-threatening dog bite injuries. She has since been discharged.
Armed police detained eight dogs at the scene on Thursday.
They remain in custody while the investigation continues. No arrests have been made.
Chief Inspector Alan Sproston said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who sadly died.
"This incident will be concerning to the local community and I would like to reassure them that we believe all dogs have been accounted for and are in police custody.
"Our investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident remains ongoing and we would ask the community not to speculate."
Formal identification of the killed woman is yet to take place, but cops confirmed she was from London and her family have been informed.
Several road closures are in place at the scene on Gravelly Hill.
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A witness today said the attack would "haunt" them for "a long time".
Another claimed the animal was chasing horses and riders before going after the woman.
One neighbour in the rural area close to the M25 said: "It's unbelievable. We've not had too many details about it but everyone has been shaken by the news.
"This could have happened to anyone. All our thoughts are with the girl's family."
While Lesley Hoffley, 62, who lives just yards away from a police sign cornering off the road near where the incident happened, said she had been left shaken.
The part-time copywriter added: "It really shocked me and my husband.
"It's all quite worrying. It's left the community feeling really anxious and, of course, heartbroken for whoever this young lady was."
Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, offered her condolences to the family of the woman killed in the attack and thanked police officers for their work in detaining the dogs.
She said: "My thoughts are with the loved ones of the lady who has died following a dog attack in Caterham this afternoon. Another lady was injured but is thankfully recovering in hospital.
"Thank you to the paramedics for their efforts at the scene, and officers from Surrey Police who controlled the situation so quickly."
Owners of dogs that kill someone can face up to 14 years in jail, a fine, or both.
Owners of dogs that injure someone could get five years, a fine, or both.
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