Residents of a small rural village have spoken of their shock over the death of a teenage girl after an attack by her pet dog.
Emergency services were called to a home in Long Hide in Leaden Roding in Essex at 10.45pm on Friday, after Jamie Lea-Biscoe’s lifeless body was found by her father.
She had suffered a wound to her neck, inflicted by the family dog. In an online fundraiser, her aunt described Miss Biscoe as “the kindest, most beautiful young adult [who] and would have done anything for anyone”.
Her father, Jack, told The Sun newspaper that the dog attacked him too as he tried to administer CPR, biting off part of his ear.
The Lurcher crossbreed had no history of aggression, he said, and had been with the family since it was a puppy, often sleeping on Miss Biscoe’s bed.
Leaden Roding is a village of just 270 homes, and the people living there told ITV News Anglia they are shaken by what happened.
Phillip Sutterby, chairman of Leaden Roding Council, said: “I was in total shock when I heard about it on Saturday morning.
“It left a lump in my throat, just the thought that something like this could happen here in our small community.
Police at the scene in Leaden Roding, Essex. Credit: ITV News Anglia
“You hear it in other parts of the country where it’s large towns and cities but not a sleepy village like Leaden Roding.”
Detectives are continuing to investigate the death, and have bailed a 37-year-old man who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: “Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Jamie-Lea. Her young life has been so tragically cut short.
“Our detectives are continuing to work around the clock to establish exactly what happened and specialist officers are continuing to support Jamie-Lea’s family.
“This is unimaginable for her loved ones and friends and, as such, I would ask people to respect their grief and privacy at this extremely difficult time.
“Our officers remain at the scene and anyone with concerns or information can speak with them there or contact us in the usual way.”
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Essex Police on 101.
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