Horror as mum-of-five, 34, dies after dog bit severed artery in savage attack

A 34-year-old women has died after suffering a fatal dog bite to her left arm, an inquest has heard.

Police found mum-of-five Michelle Hempstead with a “laceration to her upper limb” in Southend, Essex.

On July 29 this year, Hempstead was rushed to Southend hospital and underwent treatment before being taken to Royal London Hospital, where she later died.

Police were called to an address at 11.30pm where two dogs were seized in relation to the incident.

Just one of the dogs is believed to be involved.

The dog was “assessed by a dog liaison officer as not a banned breed”.

A laceration to Hempstead’s left axillary artery is thought to have contributed to her death as well as multi-organ failure and serve blood loss.

An online fundraising page, which hopes to raise £8000, has been launched to help to pay for her funeral.

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A friend speaking on behalf of the family has described her as “a big support system for the people around her but undoubtedly the kindest soul to have crossed everyone’s paths”.

They added: “We are absolutely heartbroken by her absence and we’d like to do her justice by coming together as a community at this unfortunate time.”

Lincoln Brookes, senior coroner for Essex, said he would suspend the hearing due to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Brookes said: “I’ve received a written request from Essex Police to suspend the coronial proceedings pending a criminal investigation.

“I accordingly grant that request.”

The suspension will be reviewed after three months.

The force said that it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.