Two dogs that attacked a pensioner had escaped from a neighbouring property through a hole in the fence, police have said.

The 85-year-old died after suffering from multiple injuries sustained during the attack on Friday afternoon at her home on Boundary Avenue in Rowley Regis.

A man, 45, who owned the two dogs, was arrested and has been bailed while police continue to investigate what happened.

The dogs were tranquilised soon after West Midlands Police officers arrived at the scene responding to calls from neighbours.

The animals have been taken to nearby kennels and are being tested to determine their breed.

The pensioner’s property remains sealed off and flowers were left on the driveway, one with the message: “RIP Nan”.

Speaking at a news conference outside West Bromwich Police Station on Saturday, Superintendent Phil Asquith said: “Fortunately, these types of incidents are rare.

“This presented no wider threat to the public.

“It was a hole in adjacent premises, so they weren’t running in the streets.

“It was contained and the male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday.

“He has subsequently been bailed for further inquiries while we undertake a forensic post-mortem to determine the cause of death and to determine the breed of the dogs involved.”

He added: “The dogs will have unfortunately carried out a fairly sustained attack so there were multiple injuries, mainly caused as a result of the delay in getting into the garden.

“But the specifics of the injuries I can’t go into.”

Speaking about the breed of the dogs, Superintendent Asquith said: “They were two large dogs but we cannot speculate.

“The DNA samples have to be taken to determine the specific breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (to see if) they are specific breeds that are banned – and I can’t speculate as to whether or not they are banned dogs.”

Spt Asquith said neighbours responded “very quickly” to the lady being attacked and family members were able to access the garden quickly as they lived nearby.

He added: “Fortunately, the actual owner returned home and was able to get the dogs back into their area at the adjacent premises.”

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