Police have drafted in a veterinary pathologist as they continue to investigate the death of a dog walker mauled by pets in a woodland beauty spot.
Officers have warned their enquiries are likely to take "some time" to complete as the veterinary expert works with their forensic pathologist to work out what happened.
The 28-year-old woman from London, who has not yet been named, died at the scene after police were called to reports of a dog attack at Gravelly Woods in Caterham, Surrey. She is thought to have been walking a number of dogs on Thursday when she was set upon.
Paramedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police seized eight dogs, believed to include a Leonberger, two dachshunds, a cockapoo and a collie, who are still being detained by officers. Detectives are keeping their owners up to date with the investigation.
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The victim's devastated family have spoken of their grief, adding: “This is an extremely difficult time for us and as well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting, has been a source of additional distress.
"We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.”
Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, the senior investigating officer, added: “Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this young woman’s sad death continue and we will provide further updates when possible.
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“We know this incident has caused real concern in the local community and neighbourhood officers have been out in the area speaking to local residents over the past few days.
“We continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances whilst enquiries are underway.”