'Screams' heard as 'lovely' woman, 63, mauled to death by dogs in home

Tributes have been paid to a 'lovely' woman who was mauled to death by dogs in a home.

Emergency services were called to a house in Vauxhall, Liverpool yesterday afternoon. A 63-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Today, Merseyside Police said a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control. Five American bulldogs, which were inside the property, were seized by officers and destroyed, the force has said this morning.

Read more: Murder investigation launched after man found dead in house in Rochdal

More than a dozen police cars, three ambulance vehicles and a fire engine were called to the scene at about 4.30pm yesterday. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, one witness said they saw "at least two dogs" were involved in the attack, while another said she had "heard screams" coming from the direction of the home after 4pm.

She said: "My husband came home at about 4pm and I heard a woman's screams at some point after that. When I heard what happened I was shocked. The family must be devastated, you can't put it into words really."

Since news of the woman's death first came out, hundreds have paid tribute via the Echo. Rachel Flood said: "So sad such a lovely woman. RIP thinking of all her family x."

Tricia Massey said: "Breaks my heart every time I hear anything like this. Brings back horrible memories. Sending love to her family and friends xxx" Ann Gibney said: "So so sad RIP beautiful. Absolutely devastated thinking of all your lovely family."

Theresa Smith said: "Heartbreaking thinking of all the family, devastated for yous all."

The victim has not yet been formally identified but her next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem will be carried out to establish the