A young woman who was mauled by dogs at a Surrey beauty spot died of “multiple penetrating” bites to her neck, an inquest opening has heard.
Natasha Johnston, 28, suffered shock and haemorrhage including a wound to her left jugular vein when she was attacked on January 12 in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, Surrey Coroner’s Court was told.
At the opening of an inquest into her death, coroner Simon Wickens expressed his “sincere condolences” to Ms Johnston’s family “and all those touched by her life”.
The coroner said on Tuesday: “A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on 18 January.
“The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.
“The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.”
Mr Wickens formally recognised the family of Ms Johnston, who was from Surrey, as interested persons in the proceedings.
“I offer Natasha’s family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences,” he said.
He fixed a date of 29 June for the inquest to begin but added that it could be subject to change.
The 28-year-old, from London, is believed to have been walking a number of dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, when she was attacked on January 12.
An inquest into her death opened at Surrey Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.
Last week Surrey Police said they had closed their investigation into her death, with no prosecutions being brought against any individuals.
Police at the scene at Gravelly Hill in Caterham, Surrey (PA)
Police seized eight dogs at the scene, and the force said that none of them were banned breeds.
In a statement previously issued through police, Ms Johnston’s family said they were going through “an extremely difficult time” dealing with her loss.
“This is an extremely difficult time for us and as well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting, has been a source of additional distress,” the statement said.
“We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.”
