Esther Martin, a 68-year-old woman, died in front of her grandson after two dogs attacked her. The woman had expressed her concerns about the dogs’ temperament, but her worries were not addressed.
Esther Martin, a grandmother who was visiting her grandson in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, tragically died after being attacked by two dogs named Beauty and Bear on February 3, 2024.
According to reports, Esther warned that the dogs were dangerous, but her son-in-law, Ashley Warren, dismissed her concerns. The police arrived at the scene at 4 p.m., minutes after being called.
The officers shot the two dogs dead. Neighbors tried to come in and help save the elderly woman, but she was found severely injured and died on the scene. One man reportedly threw a brick into the window, trying to get into the house to help Esther.
The dogs reportedly attacked the woman when she tried to move their six puppies with a broom. Neighbors said her grandson ran out to call for help when the attack happened while Esther was heard shouting, “Get off, get off.” Witnesses said the scene was covered in blood, and the 68-year-old’s head was also dripping.
Unfortunately, the 11-year-old boy witnessed the tragic death of his grandmother. The young boy had already suffered the significant loss of his mother two years ago. Esther’s daughter, Sonia, also arrived at the scene in disbelief, “This is a very distressing time for our family. If someone knocked on your door at night to say that your mum had been mauled to death, would you believe them?” she expressed.
The dogs reportedly attacked the woman when she tried to move their six puppies with a broom. Neighbors said her grandson ran out to call for help when the attack happened while Esther was heard shouting, “Get off, get off.” Witnesses said the scene was covered in blood, and the 68-year-old’s head was also dripping.
Unfortunately, the 11-year-old boy witnessed the tragic death of his grandmother. The young boy had already suffered the significant loss of his mother two years ago. Esther’s daughter, Sonia, also arrived at the scene in disbelief, “This is a very distressing time for our family. If someone knocked on your door at night to say that your mum had been mauled to death, would you believe them?” she expressed.
The authorities are still investigating Esther’s death. So far, a 39-year-old man has been arrested on charges of suspicion of dangerous dog offenses and continues to be in custody.
Sonia said she believed the dogs were unregistered and uninsured. Some neighbors also spoke about how much they feared the two dogs. One said they tried to stay away from where they were kept, and another added that the animals were constantly barking and so aggressive that they would attack the gate.
The police have chosen not to disclose the breed of the animals and advised people to stay away from feeding into any speculations as the authorities have experts working on determining the breed. “This may take some days, but it’s really important we get it right,” said Officer Acting Detective Superintendent Stuart Truss.
Esther’s daughter, Sonia, along with the police officers, thanked the neighbors who tried to save the grandmother’s life. “I want to express my condolences to her family and friends, and specialist officers are supporting them.” said Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin.
In addition to Sonia, Esther also had Paul Martin, 45, and Kelly Fretwell, 46. Kelly expressed that her mother was on her way to getting her life back on track after the death of her daughter, Clare Louise Hayes. However, a visit to her grandson led to her tragic death.
The situation has been shocking to both the victim’s family and the Jaywick community, but officers have assured residents there were no more threats, and the community was safe.
Nonetheless, the authorities remained in the area and urged anyone who had concerns or any information regarding the incident to come forward. Witnesses who have CCTV footage from the day of the attack have also been asked to share it with the police. “It is an investigation with a number of complexities, but we are determined to give Esther’s family the answers they need,” added Truss.
People in the comments felt sorry for Esther and her grandson. Some explained that it was wrong for the owner to keep such dogs as house pets. Another commenter added that the bigger the dog, the higher the likelihood of attacks. It was also surprising to some readers that such big dogs were kept in a small space.
Netizens suspected the dogs were trying to protect the puppies but still believed that the owner needed to be held accountable for what happened to Esther. However, Warren’s grandmother, Carol Stotter, said he was a “loving owner” and always kept the dogs locked in the property.