Family tribute to pregnant mum killed by pit bull dogs at Leeds house

Emma Bennett, 27, suffered fatal injuries in an attack by what police believe to be a pair of American pit bulls on Dawlish Avenue, East End Park, on Monday afternoon.

A 33-year-old man was arrested this morning following her death on Tuesday.

It has emerged that Miss Bennett, a mother of four, was pregnant at the time of her death.

Her boyfriend wrote of on Facebook “R.I.P emma and our bump” adding that she would “always be in my heart and on my mind to the day we meet again”.

In a statement, her family said Miss Bennett “had some issues” but was “lively” and had a “great sense of fun”.

The statement said: “We are all very deeply upset at Emma’s death, not just because she has been taken from us so suddenly but because of the horrific circumstances and the fact she was on her own at the time she was injured.

“Emma was a mother of four and although she had had some issues in her life she loved her children. She was a lively person who had a great sense of fun but she was also strong-headed and had her own opinions.

“She was the eldest of four children and had two brothers and a sister. They were at her bedside in hospital along with her mother and grandparents when she passed away.

“We are all devastated at Emma’s death but the whole family has pulled together and are really supporting each other. We are grateful to everyone who has sent messages of sympathy and support.”

The dogs, which are in police care, are thought to be American pit bulls but further tests are being carried out to confirm their breed.

Detective Superintendent Simon Beldon, who is leading the investigation, said: “Early indications are that the two dogs seized from the address are American pit bull terriers although tests are still ongoing to establish their exact make up. Dogs of this type are subject to restrictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act and our enquiries are focused on this aspect.

“We are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the incident or the dogs involved in it to contact the investigation team.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives at West Yorkshire Police’s protective services crime team via 101.