Eight dogs are still being held by police following the death of a walker last week

Eight dogs are still being held by police after the death of a 28-year-old woman following reports of an attack on a beauty spot in Surrey.

The woman, who has not yet been formally identified, is believed to have been walking a number of dogs on Thursday when she was attacked in Gravelly Hill, Caterham.

Paramedics could not save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an update on Tuesday, Surrey Police said both a forensic pathologist and a veterinary pathologist were called in to determine what happened.

The force said it would continue the investigation but it means “the investigation will take some time”.

Eight dogs were arrested at the scene last week and remained in police custody on Tuesday, sources said.

Investigators keep their owners informed of the investigation.

Detective Inspector Josephine Horner, the lead investigating officer, said: “The investigation into the circumstances of this young woman’s sad death is ongoing and we will provide further updates where possible.

“We know this incident has caused genuine concern in the local community and neighborhood officials have been in the area speaking to local residents for the past few days.

“We continue to ask people not to speculate about the circumstances while investigations are ongoing.”

The London native’s family said: “This is an extremely difficult time for us and alongside dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant media interest and the graphic nature of some of the coverage, was a source of additional hardship.

“We continue to appeal that our privacy be respected in our time of mourning.”