Inquest opens into death of Lucille Downer, 85, killed in Rowley Regis dog attack
An inquest has opened into the death of a great-grandmother who was mauled to death by two dogs in the garden of her Rowley Regis home.
The hearing into the death of Lucille Downer, 85, was opened and adjourned at Black Country Coroners Court today.
The court heard that Mrs Downer, of Boundary Avenue, Rowley Regis, was pronounced dead at her home address on April 2 – after police were called to reports of a person being attacked by two dogs.
Area coroner Joanna Lees said: "The death of Lucille Downer was reported to the coroners court by West Midlands Police and her family confirmed her details.
"West Midlands Police reported that they attended the address in Boundary Avenue on the afternoon of April 2. They were called to reports that a person had been attacked by two dogs.
"Paramedics were also in attendance and Mrs Downer was found in her back garden. Sadly, she was confirmed deceased at the scene at 3.59pm.
"A forensic post-mortem was carried out and the medical cause of death was provided as 1a) traumatic neck injury caused by 1b) dog bite.
"She was identified at the scene by a family member."
The court was also told that widow Mrs Downer was a retired cook and was born in Jamaica in April 1935.
Mrs Lees adjourned the inquest to allow police to continue their investigation – and scheduled a pre-inquest review to take place on June 17. She offered her condolences to the family of Mrs Downer.
Tests are still being undertaken to establish the breeds of dogs, which were tranquilised after the attack and seized by police before being “humanely destroyed”.
A 43-year-old man alleged to be the owner of dogs was arrested after the attack but has since been bailed pending further inquiries.
A family tribute issued after Mr Downer’s death said they “will miss her dearly”.
Flowers were also left outside the great-grandmother’s home, while neighbours expressed their shock.
