The alleged owner of the suspected XL bully dogs which killed a grandmother is reported to have told her daughter “no one tells me what to do with my dogs” when she warned him they were dangerous.
Esther Martin, 68, a mother of four and retired Tesco worker, was killed today (February 4) in the attack. Police have not confirmed the breeds that killed her but The Sun has reported that there were six “XL bully” puppies and two adult bullies at the home. Police killed two dogs at the home while attending the incident following reports of the ongoing attack.
Following the incident a man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences after police were called to Hillman Avenue shortly after 4pm yesterday and arrived to find a woman “seriously injured” on the scene where she was later pronounced dead.
Esther’s daughter, Kelly Fretwell, claims the dogs attacked her while she was alone in the house with them.
Ms Fretwell said the victim was reportedly visiting the house of the man who owned the dogs to see her 11-year-old grandson, who was in his care.
When the dogs attacked, Esther’s family say the quick-thinking child ran out of the house shouting for help.
Ms Fretwell, 46, told the Mirror: “She was amazing. She was retired and trying to bring her life back on track after the passing of my sister two years ago. She came to visit my nephew and now she is dead.
“We told him that they were dangerous. He said ‘nobody can tell me what to do with my dogs’.”
The family said that although the attack happened at 4pm, they did not find out until 10pm that night when police came to the door.
Ms Fretwell added: “This is a very distressing time for our family. If someone knocked on your door at night to say that your mum had been mauled to death, would you believe them?
“There could have been two victims, my nephew has not only lost his… grandmother but he had to witness all this violence. He could have been killed as well.”
Esther’s other daughter Sonia Martin told MailOnline: “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.”
Ms Fretwell said Esther was a dedicated grandmother, who tried to see her grandson as often as she could.
