Police praise 'brave' Jaywick community after fatal dog attack
68-year-old Ether martin was attacked and killed by two dogs on Saturday
In Jaywick, following a tragic incident on Saturday resulting in the death of 68-year-old Esther Martin, Acting Chief Inspector Taks Shah of Essex Police visited the area to assess the situation and express gratitude towards the community for their courageous response.
Chief Inspector Shah, visited various community organizations, including Inclusion Ventures, Jaywick Community Forum, and Jaywick Community Resource Centre, to check on volunteers and staff. He then patrolled nearby streets before inspecting the scene of the incident and speaking with officers.
Reflecting on the bravery of the community members who attempted to save Esther's life before police arrived, Chief Inspector Shah stated, "It is clear that within moments of this incident, members of the public tried as hard as they could to enter the property and save Esther’s life, sparing little thought for their own safety. Their actions do not surprise me. I can say with confidence from my conversations with people today, their actions reflect what I know and what I love about this community."
He further expressed appreciation for the solidarity and support demonstrated by neighbors and the wider community, emphasizing the closeness and protective nature of Jaywick residents towards one another during times of need.
Amidst the shock and grief felt by the community, Chief Inspector Shah urged against speculation regarding the circumstances of the incident, emphasizing the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference. He assured residents that there is no ongoing risk to the community and commended the professionalism of the responding officers.
Echoing Chief Inspector Shah's sentiments, Jaywick ward councillor Brad Thompson offered condolences to Esther's family and urged respect for their privacy as they come to terms with their loss. He called for restraint from speculation and emphasized the need for the police investigation to unfold without unnecessary interference.
Acting Detective Superintendent Stuart Truss provided an update on the investigation, stating, "We’re making good progress in our investigation into Esther’s death. It is an investigation with a number of complexities, but we are determined to give Esther’s family the answers they need."
Truss urged against speculation regarding the breed of the dogs involved, emphasizing the importance of confirming the facts accurately. A 39-year-old man from Jaywick, arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences, has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Essex Police continue to appeal for information related to the incident and have set up a special reporting portal for this purpose.