A tragic incident in Jaywick Sands, near Clacton-on-Sea, resulted in the death of 68-year-old pensioner Esther Martin, who was fatally attacked by two suspected XL Bullies while visiting her grandson. The dogs were owned by Ashley Warren, also known as Wyless Man, an aspiring drill rapper and dog breeder.
Esther Martin was discovered seriously injured following the attack, believed to have been carried out by the now-banned breed. Despite efforts to rescue her by members of the public, Mrs. Martin succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Ashley Warren, who reportedly kept eight dogs, including the two involved in the fatal attack, has been arrested for dangerous dog offenses and remains in custody.
Police described the actions of the public during the attack as displaying “unflinching bravery” in their attempts to intervene before the dogs were fatally shot by law enforcement officers. The specific breeds of the dogs involved in the attack have yet to be determined, although Mr. Warren had advertised puppies for sale on Facebook in November.
According to Mrs. Martin’s devastated daughters, there were two adult dogs and six puppies present at the property, all believed to be XL Bullies.
Witnesses recounted scenes of horror and chaos as they attempted to comprehend the unfolding tragedy. One resident described a man’s desperate efforts to gain entry to the property using a spade after observing bloodstains, while another neighbor recalled hearing gunshots and witnessing aggressive behavior from the dogs.
Julie Coleman, a neighbor, described the chaotic scene upon her return home, recounting the sound of dogs barking and witnessing a man smashing a window with a brick in a frantic attempt to assist the victim. The harrowing incident, captured by a neighbor’s doorbell camera, captured the intensity and urgency of the situation.
XL Bullies, a breed associated with a surge in dog attacks, were banned in January, making ownership of these dogs without a certificate a criminal offense in England and Wales. The tragic death of Esther Martin underscores the importance of stringent regulations surrounding dangerous dog breeds and the devastating consequences of such attacks.
