Woman killed in 'horrific' Canberra dog attack before police shoot animal dead

A woman has been killed, and a man and police injured, in a dog attack in Canberra.

A woman in her late 40s has died after being attacked by a dog in suburban Canberra.

ACT Police say the woman died at the scene of the attack in the suburb of Watson on Wednesday, while a man who was also injured is in a stable condition in hospital. 

"This is a very tragic event for the family and our thoughts go out to the family for what is quite a horrific incident," Detective Sergeant Tony Crocker said.
Police say they were called to the house about 3:40 am after a report of a man calling for help.

When they arrived, they found the man in the backyard and he directed police inside the house.

The dog then tried to attack the officers and led them to shoot the animal dead.

Police say they are investigating the incident and the events surrounding it, including whether the man and woman were occupants of the house and who owns the dog. 

"The man was known to the woman at the residence. I can tell you that it will form part of our investigation," Det Sgt Crocker said.

"We are making a report for the coroner."

He also said police are speaking to witnesses to get a clear picture of what happened.

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Published 25 October 2017 8:42am
Updated 25 October 2017 12:57pm


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