A WOMAN has been left fighting for her life after a shocking dog attack in Essex.

Police were called to Retort Close, in Southend, at 11.30pm on Monday where a woman was found with serious injuries which are described as life-threatening.

She is being treated at hospital, with two dogs being seized from an address in Retort Close, though only one dog is believed to have been involved in the incident. 

Essex Police have confirmed that the dogs seized are not a banned breed but have been unable to confirm the exact breed as the investigation continues. 

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “I know this incident will be extremely concerning to the local community.

“I want to assure you that we are fully investigating and will have officers in the area as these enquiries continue.

“If you have any information or questions please do come and speak to them directly.”

A police spokesman said: "A woman has been seriously injured following an incident involving a dog in Southend.

"We were called to Retort Close at 11.30pm yesterday Monday, July 29 by colleagues from the ambulance service.

"A woman was found with serious injuries which are described as life-threatening. She is being treated at hospital.

"Specialist officers have ensured the scene is safe and there is no risk to the wider public.

"Two dogs have been seized from an address in Retort Close.

"Only one dog is believed to have been involved in the incident.

"We are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances around the incident."

Anyone with information on this incident should contact us as soon as possible.

You can let police know by submitting a report on their website or by using our online live chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively, you can call police on 101.

Please cite incident 1581 of 29 July.