According to Surrey Police, a woman in her 20s died in Caterham after being attacked by a dog.

At around 2.45 pm on Thursday, the animal attacked members of the public, and police were dispatched to Gravelly Hill.

At the scene, the person was pronounced dead. Her next of kin have been notified, according to the force, although formal identification has not yet taken place.

A second woman who had been bitten by a dog was rushed to the hospital, although her condition is not critical.

Seven dogs were taken into custody by armed cops who were present along with assistance from the National Police Air Service.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who regrettably passed away this afternoon,” Chief Inspector Alan Sproston said. I want to reassure the local population, who will be alarmed by this situation, that we believe all canines have been located and are in police custody.

“We would ask the community not to speculate while our investigation is proceeding to determine the circumstances of the incident.”