A woman was mauled to death by "at least two dogs" in a home in Liverpool on Monday.
"Screams" were heard around the area as emergency services rushed to the scene on St Brigids Crescent in Vauxhall at around 4.25pm.
After entering the property, they found a woman in her 60s had passed away as a result of her injuries.
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Police were alerted to the area by ambulance personnel after receiving reports of a woman being attacked by dogs.
More than a dozen police cars, three ambulance vehicles and a fire engine took over nearby Silvester Street, and police put a cordon in place from Vauxhall Road to Alderney Road.
Forensics officers arrived at the scene around two hours later and were seen entering the home and taking pictures outside.
Eyewitnesses reported to The ECHO that "at least two dogs" were involved in the attack.
Another added that she "heard screams" from the direction of the home after 4pm.
She said: "My husband came home at about 4pm, and I heard a woman's screams at some point after that. When I heard what happened, I was shocked.
"The family must be devastated. You can't put it into words really."
A man, who asked not to be named, said: "Obviously it's sad, isn't it? A woman has been mauled to death by the dogs."
People in the area spoke of their shock, sadness and worry following the incident, which happened near a park with a children's play area.
A woman who lives in the area said: "It's just so awful, you can't imagine how much the family are hurting right now."
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: "We understand the shock that this incident will cause in the local community and beyond. Our officers are at the scene carrying out further enquiries, so if you have any information, please let us know."
You can contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 690.
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