A community has been "devastated" after a "lovely woman" was mauled to death by dogs.
Emergency services rushed to St Brigid's Crescent in Vauxhall shortly before 4.30pm on Monday, October 3 following reports a woman in her 60s had been attacked inside a house. The 65-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbours reportedly heard "harrowing cries" late on Monday afternoon as a police cordon was immediately put in place, stretching from Vauxhall Road to Alderney Road. One passer-by said he "panicked" when he saw police rush to the scene.
READ MORE: Man arrested and five American bulldogs destroyed after woman mauled to death
Over a dozen police vehicles, three ambulance vehicles and a fire engine were at the scene as forensics took pictures around the area. The ECHO previously reported how a "woman's screams" were heard shortly after 4pm.
On Tuesday morning, the usually "quiet" community was "shocked and devastated" as the police cordon remained in place at the address, just opposite a children's playing field. Groups of youths and dog walkers watched on as police enquiries continued.
One local resident, who did not wish to be named, told the ECHO : "It's just awful. We've seen massive dogs like that around and there's never been any issues, it's just awful. My thoughts go out to the family. There's a lot of speculation but it's devastating."
They added: "It's terrifying really. You don't think anything so devastating can happen on your own doorstep. That poor woman and her family."
As residents went to work and school on Tuesday morning, a small police cordon remained in place, with residents able to leave and enter, but several police officers remained at the scene carrying out door to door enquiries. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The nearby playground and field was said to have been in use by locals walking their dogs and children on their way home from a nearby school not long before the attack as one woman described the incident as "scary". It is not yet known how many dogs were involved in the attack but neighbours claimed it was "at least two".
Merseyside police have since confirmed that five American bulldogs, which were inside the property, were seized by officers and humanely destroyed. A 31-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control and remains in custody.
Tributes have since come pouring in for the "lovely" woman, who has not yet been formally identified. ECHO reader Lisa Sweeney said: "R.i.p heavenly Angel, sending big love, hugs, caring thoughts to the gorgeous family."
Another added: "Heart-breaking condolence to all her family and friends" as a third wrote: "Heart-breaking god bless her and her family."
Detective Inspector Katie Coote said: "This is clearly a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady who died. Our enquiries remain ongoing as we seek to establish what has happened and I would urge anyone who could assist our enquiries to get in touch"
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000731247.
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