Dog walker, 28, died from ‘multiple penetrating bites to the neck’ in mauling at Surrey beauty spot, inquest hears
31 January 2023, 10:25 | Updated: 31 January 2023, 11:06
A dog walker died after suffering massive blood loss caused by 'multiple' bites to the neck in an attack at a Surrey beauty spot, an inquest heard.
Natasha Johnston, 28, died from "multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck" and a wound to her jugular vein, an inquest opening into her death at Surrey Coroner's Court has heard.
Ms Johnston was said to have been walking eight dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, when she was attacked on 12 January.
On Tuesday morning the Coroner's Court heard how the dogs in her possession at the time have been seized and remain in police custody as forensic investigations continues.
The inquest heard how the medical cause of death was given as "shock and haemorrhage" following the "perforation of the left jugular vein".
According to a pathologist, the post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on January 18.
None of the eight dogs Ms Johnston was walking at the time of the attack are said to have been banned breeds.
It's believed an 11-stone Leonberger named Shiva was among the dogs in police custody following the attack.
Ms Johnston's family have described recent weeks as a "very difficult time", adding the "significant level of media interest" had caused "additional distress".
It follows the news from Surrey Police last week that no prosecutions are set to be brought against any individuals.
They added that the criminal investigation into the attack had officially been closed.
Gravelly Hill is a location popular among professional dog walkers, with a witness at the time recalling Ms Johnston had "screamed at us to turn back" as the dogs were attacking.
Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, of Surrey Police, had said: ‘This is a tragic incident in which a young woman lost her life.
‘I know it has caused real concern locally and I thank the community for bearing with us whilst we conducted our inquiries."
