These are the first photos of the family dog believed to have killed 19-year-old Jamie-Lea Biscoe in a vicious attack in Essex on Friday.
Police believe Jamie-Lea was killed by the seven-year-old Lurcher Cross dog named Shy, who has been seized by officers.
Shy was described as the ‘softest’ pet and was said to be the teenager’s ‘best friend’ before the attack.
Jamie-Lea’s dad, Jack Biscoe, 37, found his daughter collapsed in his bedroom late Friday evening with bite wounds to her neck in Leaden Roding, Essex.
Mr Biscoe told The Sun: ‘Witnessing the horror and destruction it has caused me, it’s not worth it. Treat them as dogs, give them their beds, and be careful.
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‘I thought I could trust that dog with my life, and it took my daughter’s life.’
A post-mortem examination is due to take place today to confirm the cause of the young woman’s death.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Jamie-Lea was pronounced dead at the scene.
An Essex Police spokeswoman said: ‘We are now in a position to confirm that Jamie-Lea Biscoe, 19, died from injuries believed to have been suffered as a result of a dog attack.
‘A 37-year-old man from Dunmow, arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death, has now been bailed until July while enquiries continue.
‘The dog, which was a family pet, has been seized, and it is believed to be a Lurcher Cross, but tests are underway to formally establish the precise breed.’
Church Warden David Tregunno from the local church, St Michael’s and All the Angels, opened up the space for prayer and reflection this afternoon.
He said: ‘We’re obviously thinking and praying for the young lady who has recently died in this very terrible situation.
‘We’re opening the church today between one and three if anyone wants to come in to pray or reflect on the situation. We’ll be thinking of her, and you’d be very welcome to come.’
Lurcher-cross dogs are a breed made by combining a sighthound, like a Greyhound, with another breed – often terriers or collies.
They’re said to be affectionate but also ‘sensitive’.
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