Woman, 19, died from ‘traumatic neck injuries caused by family’s lurcher-cross’

A 19-year-old woman who died after a dog attack at her home suffered ‘serious traumatic neck injuries’, an inquest heard today.

Jamie-Lea Biscoe was found by her father in an upstairs bedroom at the address in the village of Leaden Roding, Essex, on the evening of April 10.

Court co-ordinator Matthew Austin told the hearing she was found with ‘serious traumatic injuries to her neck’ suspected to have been ‘caused by one of the family’s dogs’.

A forensic post-mortem examination recorded her cause of death as ‘neck injuries pending investigation of histology and toxicology’.

Essex senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said he had received a written request from Essex Police to suspend coronial proceedings pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

He suspended proceedings, and said: ‘I do offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Jamie-Lea Biscoe on what can only be described as a tragic loss of life.’

Essex Police previously said officers were called to a property in Long Hide in Leaden Roding at 10.45pm on April 10.

Ms Biscoe was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 37-year-old man from Dunmow, who was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death, has been bailed until July while inquiries continue

The dog, which was a family pet and believed to be a lurcher cross, was seized and tests are under way to establish formally the exact breed, according to police.

Shocked neighbors paid their respects shortly after the incident, with one saying: ‘It’s really tragic. I feel for the whole family. She was well-liked by the kids.

‘We didn’t know what happened until this morning. For all concerned, it’s devastating. We feel for the family. We’re still trying to process it. It has been a shock.’

Another neighbor added: ‘They kept themselves to themselves, they never caused us any problems. It’s just very, very sad and very tragic.’

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said last week: ‘Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Jamie-Lea. Her young life has been so tragically cut short.

‘Our detectives are continuing to work around the clock to establish exactly what happened and specialist officers are continuing to support Jamie-Lea’s family.

‘This is unimaginable for her loved ones and friends and, as such, I would ask people to respect their grief and privacy at this extremely difficult time.’

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