An inquest into the death of a teenager who was bitten at home by the family dog was formally opened today by a coroner who described it as a ‘a truly tragic loss of life’.
Jamie-Lea Biscoe, 19, was found dead at her home in Leading Roding, Dunmow, Essex, on April 10.
Her father Jack, 37, discovered her body in an upstairs bedroom of the house with traumatic injuries to her neck, the hearing in Chelmsford was told.
The dog, a seven-year-old blue-merle lurcher called Sky, was described after Jamie-Lea’s death as the ‘softest’ pet and her ‘best friend’, who would sleep on her bed.
Police rushed to the house after Mr Biscoe came home from KFC with his partner, Steven Daniels, 43, and found the tragic scene but she was pronounced dead.
Horse trainer Mr Biscoe was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death on the night his daughter died. He was released on bail the following day.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on April 12, coroner Lincoln Brookes said today, which found the provisional cause of death was neck injury, pending investigation of histology and toxicology.
He told the hearing: ‘Ordinarily, I would adjourn [for the full inquest but] I have received a written inquest from Essex Police to suspend coronial proceedings pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.
Jack Biscoe, 37, with his daughter Jamie-Lea, 19, who died after suffering a bite wound to her neck when their family dog attacked her at home
‘I do agree to that request, so these proceedings will be suspended.
‘In any event, I do offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved-ones of Jamie-Lea Biscoe at what can only be described as a truly tragic loss of life.’
Mr Biscoe discovered his daughter unconscious between his bed and bedside table, he revealed after she died.
As he tried to save his teenager Shy attacked him, leaving the father-of-one with puncture wounds in his arms and injuries to his ear, which will require reconstructive surgery.
He described his daughter as his ‘best friend’, adding that her death was ‘so painful’.
‘I don’t know how to step forward without that child in my life. She was my only child,’ he said.
Mr Biscoe bought Shy when she was seven weeks old. Her 18-month-old puppies Bella and Mouse were downstairs at the time of the attack.
‘Witnessing the horror and destruction it has caused me, it’s not worth it. Treat them as dogs, give them their beds, be careful,’ he added.
Sky, a seven-year-old blue-merle lurcher, was described as the ‘softest’ pet and Jamie-Lea’s ‘best friend’, who would sleep in her bed
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‘I thought I could trust that dog with my life and it took my daughter’s life.’
He went on to warn families about ‘just how quick a dog can take away a life’, adding that dangerous dogs are ‘not breed specific’.
A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for funeral costs by Jamie-Lea’s aunt, Maria, has received more than £6,000 in donations.
It reads: ‘On Friday April 10 Jamie was tragically attacked and killed at her home by her pet dog.
‘She had been the family pet for seven years and had never shown any sign of aggression before this sad tragic incident.
‘Jamie-Lea was the kindest most beautiful young adult and would have done anything for anyone.
‘She loved life and her family but most of all she adored her dad Jack. We are trying to raise funds to pay for her funeral, so we can give her the best send off.’
Relatives have paid tribute to Jamie-Lea on social media, with one loved one commenting: ‘Our darling Jamie-Lea RIP our girl.’
Police rushed to the scene near the village of Leaden Roding but Jamie-Lea was pronounced dead after suffering a bite wound to her neck
Another, Tina Wells, said of Sky: ‘She slept on my granddaughter’s bed. It’s devastating.’
Another person commented: ‘Such a tragic end for the young lady. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.’
Someone else said: ‘This is another tragic attack and so beyond distressing for all family and friends and also to the responders. Any dog can bite, it’s the circumstances why.’
Church Warden David Tregunno from the local church, St Michael’s and All the Angels, opened up the space for prayer and reflection on the weekend of the tragedy.
He said at the time: ‘We’re obviously thinking and praying for the young lady who has recently died in this very terrible situation.
‘We’re opening the church today between one and three if anyone wants to come in to pray or reflect on the situation. We’ll be thinking of her, and you’d be very welcome to come.’
Essex Police said: ‘A 37-year-old man from Dunmow, arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death, has now been bailed until July while enquiries continue.
‘The dog, which was a family pet, has been seized, and it is believed to be a Lurcher Cross, but tests are underway to formally establish the precise breed.’
Mr Biscoe bought Shy when she was seven weeks old. Her 18-month-old puppies Bella and Mouse were downstairs at the time of the attack
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper added: ‘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.’
