AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Rowley Regis grandmother who was killed by two dogs in the garden of her home.

Area coroner for the Black Country Joanne Lees opened an inquest into the death of widow Lucille Downer, aged 85, who died on April 2 after the incident which unfolded in the garden of her Boundary Avenue home.

At Black Country Coroner's Court this morning (Tuesday) Mrs Lees said West Midlands Police attended the property on the afternoon of April 2 to reports that a person had been attacked by two dogs.

Mrs Downer, a retired cook - who was born in Jamaica, was found in her back garden but was confirmed to have died at the scene.

A post mortem revealed she died from a traumatic neck injury caused by a dog bite.

Adjourning the proceedings until a pre-inquest hearing on June 17, Mrs Lees said: "There is a police investigation continuing at present and I’m aware that a person has been arrested and bailed in connection with death of Mrs Lucille Downer.

"In those circumstances whilst that investigation continues I'm going to adjourn for a pre inquest hearing to take place in the coroner's office on June 17 and I should like to take I should like to take this opportunity to offer my most sincere condolences to family of Mrs Downer."

West Midlands Police has previously confirmed two dogs had been humanely destroyed after the pensioner’s death.

The owner of the two dogs, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing death.

He has been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.