Police are working to establish the breed of dogs that killed a grandmother-of-eight in a coastal village.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, near Clacton, at about 4pm on Saturday. 

On arrival officers found a woman had been seriously injured as a result of the attack.

She was later pronounced dead at the scene, a spokesman for Essex Police confirmed. 

Chief Superintendent Glen Pavelin, of Essex Police, confirmed during a press conference that the victim was 68-year-old Esther Martin. 

According to reports, the incident is thought to have involved two XL bully-type dogs.

During the press conference Ch Spt Pavelin said police are working with experts to confirm the breed of the dogs, which were destroyed.

When asked by journalists at the press conference if the dogs were XL bullies, Ch Spt Pavelin said: "We are not to speculate on the breed of animals involved.

"The investigation will continue and we need to take expert evidence and advice to establish the breed of the dogs." 

He added that he had not been informed of any information about previous complaints made about the dogs involved in the incident.

He went on to pay tribute to the bravery of officers and members of the public who attempted to assist Ms Martin, a grandmother-of-eight, after she was attacked.

He said: “When six police officers entered the house, their priority was, as always, to keep their community safe.

“Their unflinching bravery and professionalism ensured that there is no ongoing threat to the people of Essex. Both dogs were destroyed inside the house.

“I would also like to thank local people who tried to get into the house to help Esther Martin, you should be proud.”

The man arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences is said to have had a "familial" relationship with the victim.