Rottweilers 'bit chunks' out of 82-year-old gran in Tipton attack
An 82-year-old woman was knocked to the ground and savaged by two rottweilers who 'bit chunks out of her', family members have revealed.
Terrified Margaret Langford's screams for help were heard by a child playing in a house nearby who thankfully raised the alarm.
The pensioner suffered extensive injuries to her right arm, buttocks, left leg, chest and back and is recovering in hospital.
The dogs have been seized by police following the mauling last Wednesday.
Mrs Langford, who is from Tipton, was going to meet a bereaved friend and was en route when the dogs came bounding over to her from a driveway.
Grandson Jack Langford, aged 24, told the Express and Star how the attack had left the family 'emotionally traumatised' with his grandmother now fearing returning to the area where she has lived in for more than 60 years.
"Nan has taken the same trip down that road every day for years," he said.
"She'll walk to the bus stop to catch a bus into West Bromwich or Great Bridge and do the shopping but on Wednesday she was on the way to visit a bereaved friend.
"Two dogs sat on one of the driveways bounded over and jumped at her and knocked her down and went on to bite her eight times.
"Luckily one of the neighbour's grandchildren was playing in the bedroom window and saw nan screaming for help and alerted the emergency services.
"It is completely traumatising as it is a close knit community and Nan and Grandad Jack, who is 88, have lived there for more than 60 years."
The dogs were seized by police following the attack with an investigation into the incident ongoing.
West Midlands Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said: "She did have quite significant bites and required hospital treatment.
"The dogs have been seized and taken to secure kennels while inquiries continue."
Mr Langford, who lives in Wrens Avenue, Tipton, continued: "It is the emotional effects now that have not only left nan fearing going out but neighbours with children are scared to leave their homes as well.
"Nan is now in Russells Hall Hospital having treatment and we have been told that she will be in for the next six days so it will be nine days in total that she will have been in for. The worst bites are to her right forearms where they ripped a chunk out.
"She is starting to recall the
incident more now and has said she remembers being face down on the ground and the dogs taking it in turns to bite her back.
"The main thing is she is as tough as an old shoe and is still trying to be in high spirits – still laughing at our jokes despite everything."
Mrs Langford has one son and two grandsons. Mr Langford added: "Nan is still incredibly active for her age and likes to go out and meet friends and do her own shopping.
"One of the first things she said in hospital was God forbid if it was a child that it happened to as who knows if they would have survived.
"We are a close family and I don't live that far away.
"There is my dad Neil and myself and my brother who are looking out for her.
"We are also staying with grandad following the incident. The police have assured us that an ongoing investigation is now taking place and we will be kept informed.
"Luckily the dogs have been seized too.
"You just don't expect something like this to happen."
Mrs Langford has been visited by family members daily at Russells Hall Hospital since the attack.
The brave pensioner was delighted to receive a card of support from her grandson's work colleagues wishing her a speedy recovery.
