Investigation continues following dog attack in Caterham

Officers are continuing to investigate after a woman died following reports of a dog attacking members of the public in Caterham.

Police were called to Gravelly Hill at 2.45pm yesterday afternoon (12 January) where, despite best efforts of paramedics, a 28-year-old woman from London sadly died.

The woman is believed to have been walking a number of dogs at the time of the incident.

Her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.

A second woman who received treatment for dog bites has since been discharged from hospital.

A total of eight dogs were detained at the scene by officers and remain in the custody of police.  The owners of these dogs have been identified and are being kept informed as the investigation continues.

A police cordon will remain in place at Gravelly Hill today whilst forensic work is carried out.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Inspector Lyndsey Whatley, Borough Commander for Tandridge, said: “This is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly lost her life and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“I know that yesterday’s events will be of real concern to the local community and I would like to reassure residents that we are confident all the dogs involved are in the custody of police whilst we investigate the circumstances of what has happened.

“Officers will remain in the area of Gravelly Hill today whilst enquiries continue and if you have any information but have not yet spoken to police then please contact us.”

You can contact police quoting PR/45230004384 via:

• Webchat on our website https://www.surrey.police.uk/
• Our online reporting tool https://www.surrey.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
• Calling us on 101

If you don’t want to speak to police you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.