A dog walker died from “multiple penetrating dog bites" to the neck and a wound to her jugular vein, an inquest has heard.
Natasha Johnston, 28, was walking several dogs around the Gravelly Hill beauty spot near Caterham, Surrey, on January 12 when the savage attack happened.
She suffered shock and haemorrhage including a wound to her left jugular vein when she was attacked, Woking coroner's court heard this morning.
Armed officers and a police helicopter swooped on the rural wooded trail after calls came in over a dog attacking people.
A second woman was also injured in the attack and was taken to hospital before being discharged.
Ambulance workers treated Natasha but tragically she succumbed to her injuries.
It’s understood at least one of the dogs became aggressive and inflicted catastrophic injuries resulting in blood loss, with all of them seized by cops.
Surrey Police confirmed Natasha's name on Monday, after revealing that none of the dogs involved were banned breeds and that nobody had been prosecuted over the fatal attack.
An inquest has been opened into Natasha's death.
Coroner Simon Wickens said a post mortem examination carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital recorded cause of death as “1A shock and haemorrhage, including perforation of the left jugular vein” and “1B multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck”.
She was identified via odontology.
The hearing on Tuesday heard Ms Johnston, from Croydon, was a professional dog walker.
She was thought to have been walking a number of dogs, reportedly including a Leonberger and two dachshunds, when tragedy struck
The inquest was adjourned until June 29.
The coroner said: “I offer Natasha’s family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincerest condolences.”
The Mirror understands that one of the dogs Natasha had been walking at the time of the attack had been on a BBC show about badly-behaved dogs.
Leonberger Shiva is claimed to be one of the eight dogs police seized following the January 12 attack, although there is no suggestion she was the same dog to inflict Natasha's injuries.
Usually renowned as "gentle" and "patient" dogs, Leonbergers are one of the biggest breeds growing up to 31ins tall and weighing as much as 68kg - almost as much as the average adult male.
After police announced they would be closing the investigation, Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, 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 enquiries.
"The criminal investigation has now concluded and the information we have gathered will be passed to the Surrey Coroner to assist in the coronial process.
"The dogs continue to be cared for at private kennels to ensure their welfare and their owners are being kept informed. We appreciate this is a difficult and uncertain process for them as the forensic work continues."
