Cops confirm XL Bullys did maul grandmother to death
Police have confirmed that the dogs which mauled a pensioner to death, as she visited her grandson, are XL Bullys.
Esther Martin was tragically killed after she was attacked by two dogs at a property in Jaywick Essex, and left with fatal injuries. The owner, her son-in-law Ashley Warren, a wannabe rapper who goes by the name Wyless Man, was arrested and released on bail until March 5.
Initial reports placed both attacking dogs, named Bear and Beauty and two of eight that Warren was said to have owned, as XL Bullys and today police confirmed what type of dog they were.
In the aftermath of the February 3 attack, specialist offers destroyed both dogs at the property after responding to the incident - which tragically was said to have been seen by Esther's 11-year-old grandson, who she was visiting. He then ran outside, shouting for help.
Speaking today, Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver said: "I know there has been a huge amount of speculation about the breed and type of dog involved here, but it was really important we got that information right and established the facts.
XL Bully attack leaves her needing surgery on arms as she tries to save daughter
"We owe it to Esther and her family to ensure we are thorough, professional and, above all, fair. XL Bully is not a breed of dog in itself, but a sub-category of the American Bully and identifying categories of a breed can be a complex process.
One of the XL Bullys that Warren owned (INSTAGRAM)"It requires a police-trained dog expert to examine the physical features of the dog against specific measurements, in line with the guidelines published by the Government. A forensic post-mortem was also carried out by a veterinary scientist and through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL Bullies.
"A team of experienced detectives are continuing their investigation into Esther’s death and continue to make good progress. They are committed to getting the answers her family need about what happened and why. Specially trained family liaison officers are also continuing to support them."
Tributes left to the beloved gran who was tragically killed (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)Following the attack, members of the public tried in vain to save Esther's life before police arrived on the scene. They tried to get into the home where the 68-year-old retired Tesco worker was attacked.
Esther's daughter, Kelly, previously told the Mirror about her "amazing" mum who she paid tribute to. She said: "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. This is a very distressing time for our family.
The dogs belonged to Esther's son-in-law, an aspiring rapper (INSTAGRAM)"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 mum and grandmother but he had to witness all this violence. He could have been killed as well."
Kelly's sister Sonia also told how their mother had previously expressed concerns over the animals. Sonia was told that the puppies had begun fighting and Esther had been told by Warren to put a broom among them to distract them. But it was then she was attacked.
A few months earlier in November, Warren also posted an ad selling XL Bully pups for £500 each. Since Esther's tragic death, Warren now says XL Bullies should be "wiped out" as he supports the new ban on the breed.
While he was previously defiant about the new laws, now he "couldn't support them enough," adding that one of the dogs adored Esther and was used to being petted by her.
The rapper, who was arrested and bailed on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, told The Sun: "Never in a million years did I see them as a risk. If my dogs did that to her, when I had never seen anything but love from them, then that breed just has a killer switch.
Moment 'XL Bully' dog launches attack as girl, 11, and others injured
"I honestly thought the ban was a stupid government plan to wipe out a breed which I had never seen anything but softness and love from. Now I think they need to be wiped out. Esther meant everything to my son and she meant everything to me. I’m sorry for everyone’s loss, from the bottom of my heart."
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