An 85-year-year-old great grandma has died after being attacked by two loose dogs.

The pensioner was killed in a “sustained” attack after a neighbour’s dogs came into her back garden through a hole in the fence.

The victim was named as Lucille Downer, of Boundary Avenue, Regis in the West Midlands.

The 43-year-old owner of the dogs has been arrested and bailed while police inquiries continue.

The dogs were tranquilised at the scene and taken away to nearby kennels.

DNA tests are being done to find out what breed they are.

Ms Downer’s family said:

“Lucille was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who spent her working years as a cook at Bromford House Care Home in West Bromwich.

“Lucille was born in Jamaica and emigrated to the UK in her early 20s. Since arriving in the UK, Rowley Regis has always been her home and her family will miss her dearly.”

Superintendent Phil Asquith said:

“Neighbours called to report that a woman, 85 years of age, was under attack from dogs from a neighbouring property.

“Our officers attended, by which point the dogs had returned through a hole in the fence to the adjacent property and then, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, that lady died at the scene.

“An operation was then under way to secure the dogs. They were tranquilised and transported subsequently to secure kennels where they currently remain, and they are being tested to determine their breed.

“Fortunately, these types of incidents are rare. This presented no wider threat to the public. It was a hole in adjacent premises, so they weren’t running in the streets.

“It was contained and the male who owned those dogs was arrested yesterday.

“He has subsequently been bailed for further inquiries whilst we undertake a forensic post-mortem to determine the cause of death and to determine the breed of the dogs involved.”