Dogs which killed Rowley Regis great-grandmother are put down
The two dogs which escaped and mauled Rowley Regis great-grandmother Lucille Downer to death in her back garden have been put down.
Mrs Downer was killed when she was attacked by the dogs which got into her back garden through a hole in the fence on Good Friday.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “The ownership of the dogs was voluntarily transferred to police.
“Following specialist advice it was established the dogs could never be rehomed due to the violent act and should be humanely destroyed.
“This has happened, although further analysis will take place to determine what breed they were.”
Neighbours rushed to Mrs Downer's aid after the dogs escaped at around 3.20pm on Friday but the 85-year-old was subjected to a "sustained attack" police said, and was confirmed dead at the scene in Boundary Avenue shortly afterwards.
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In a statement her family said: "Lucille was born in Jamaica and emigrated to the UK in her early 20s.
"Since arriving in the UK, Rowley Regis has always been her home and her family will miss her dearly."
Floral tributes have been left outside Mrs Downer's home, with one displaying the message "RIP Nan".
The dogs which killed her were tranquilised after the attack and seized by police, with tests being carried out to establish their exact breed and determine if they are specific breeds that are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Neighbours said the dogs appeared to be pit bulls, however this has not been confirmed.
A 43-year-old neighbour of Mrs Downer was arrested after the attack on suspicion of being the owner of dogs dangerously out of control. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
West Midlands Police continue to investigate the circumstances and anyone with information who has not spoken to officers already, is urged to get in contact via Live Chat or 101. Quote log 2501 of 2/4/21.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org