Natasha Johnston: Surrey dog walker died from ‘multiple penetrating bites to neck’, inquest hears

A 28-year-old woman who was killed by dogs in Surrey died from “multiple penetrating bites to neck”, an inquest opening has heard.

Natasha Johnston also suffered a wound to her jugular vein, Surrey Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday morning.

She is understood to have been walking a number of dogs in Gravelly Hill, Caterham, when she was attacked on 12 January.

Eight dogs were seized at the scene and remain in police custody as forensic investigations continue.

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None of the dogs are banned breeds, Surrey Police said.

Coroner Simon Wickens expressed his “sincere condolences” to Ms Johnston’s family “and all those touched by her life” at the opening of the inquest into her death.

“A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on 18 January,” he said.

“The medical cause of death [was] given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.

“The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.”

Mr Wickens fixed a date of 29 June for the inquest to begin, but said it could be subject to change.

No prosecutions are being brought against any individuals, the force said last week, after closing the criminal investigation into the attack.

Ms Johnston’s family have described it as an “extremely difficult time” and appealed for their “privacy to be respected during our time of grief”.

Meanwhile, a witness has described how the victim “screamed at us to turn back” as the incident unfolded.

The area is said to be popular with professional dog walkers.