Mother-of-five, 34, killed by one of her dogs at home died from a 'single bite to her arm' - with tragedy coming just weeks after her daughter's sudden death

A mother-of-five who died after being mauled by a dog at her home had lost her  daughter just weeks earlier.

Michelle Hempstead, 34, was attacked by a Bullmastiff-type breed at her ground- floor flat in Southend, Essex, on July 29 and suffered lacerations to her left arm.

Neighbours described how Ms Hempstead had clambered over the railing of her balcony to escape, before collapsing near a play area.

Bystanders rushed to give her first aid after hearing her screams. She was taken by paramedics to Southend Hospital before being transferred to the Royal London Hospital where she died the next day. 

Yesterday it emerged that Ms Hempstead's daughter died just weeks earlier on June 4.

In an online appeal to help pay for her funeral and support her children, Ms Hempstead's friend Liah Smith said it was the second time that tragedy had struck the family. 

An inquest into Ms Hempstead's death was opened today but adjourned while a police investigation continues.

The court was told that police police found her with a 'laceration to her upper limb' on July 29 this year.

Officers seized two dogs - the other believed to be a Pomeranian - but have not destroyed either. The dog involved in the incident was 'assessed by a dog liaison officer as not a banned breed'.

Recalling the horrific scene, a neighbour of Ms Hempstead said: 'I was at home with my partner when we heard screaming.

'He went to help and I called an ambulance. By the time we had got down to her, she had run across to near the play area and had collapsed.

'She was unconscious and had a really nasty wound to the top of her arm. It was evidently a dog bite.

'I think she had climbed out over her balcony. I came out to help. She had run screaming and made it against a wall.'

The neighbour added Ms Hempstead had a partner and was devoted to her dogs.

'She was quite friendly. We had had a puppy last year and she would stop us to see how he was getting on,' she said.

'I was not aware of any problems with her dogs. There was a boy aged around 14 or 15 who would come to her flat to walk the big dog.

'We saw both dogs being taken out early in the morning and they were both walking happily on a lead.'

A post-mortem examination found the axillary artery - the main artery in the arm - had been severed, causing severe blood loss and multiple organ failure.

Liah Smith, Michelle's friend of ten years, paid tribute to her as 'fun no matter the situation'.

Ms Smith said in a GoFundMe set up in her memory: 'Michelle's first born and only daughter (whose name I won't disclose to respect the family's privacy) slipped away from us on June 4th and was laid to rest peacefully on July 2nd.

'This passing was an awfully tragic time for Michelle and her family to endure. For something so harrowing to go through, they have not been able to reach a place of peace, and within the space of five weeks the family have had to deal with the shocking passing of Michelle too. Our hearts are broken.'

Paying tribute to her 'fun, bubbly and 'selfless' friend who was 'made of steel, just an incredibly strong woman who everyone adored', Ms Smith added: 'She always went above and beyond for people.

'Whether it was stray cars or rough sleepers, Michelle would always get them water, always do something and always recognise people.

'Even if all she had on her was £2 for the bus, she would have given it away. Her attitude was so carefree and she as such a fun person, no matter the situation and even when times were tough.

'She was such a positive person. She was so bubbly all the time to the point where you think 'You can't be like that all day.'

Describing the loss of her friend, who had two jobs to give her kids 'what they needed', she added: 'It was too much. There was panic and we had no idea what was going to happen.

'It is so hard. I can't imagine how hard it was for her. I can't imagine her headspace and I cannot stop thinking about how she must have felt at the time.'

An Essex Police spokesperson said: 'Our officers are encouraging residents in Southend that haven't spoken to police to get in touch following the death of a woman in Southend.

'A woman was found with life-threatening injuries, was treated at the scene and taken to the Royal London Hospital for urgent treatment but died on Tuesday 30 July.

'Two dogs have been seized from the address. Both dogs seized have now been disclaimed for destruction and the victim was the sole owner of the dogs.'

Acting Detective Inspector James McLean-Brown, who is leading this investigation, said earlier this month: 'This was a very distressing incident to witness, so I'd like to thank everyone who has spoken to us so far and ask anyone else with information to contact us.

'The details you have may be important and we need the fullest picture to complete our enquiries.'

Ms Smith thanked the people who rushed to her friend's aid after she was injured, saying in her online tribute: 'We would also like to express our absolute gratitude to the individuals who helped Michelle before emergency services could reach her, to witness and hear such incredibly brave neighbours that came together as a community to help her touched us tremendously.

'We thank you all for the unconditional love and care you showed.'

Court co-ordinator Andy Flack said that Ms Hempstead was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment, then subsequently transferred to the Royal London Hospital, where she died on July 30. 

He said a post-mortem examination recorded that Ms Hempstead sustained a 'dog bite wound to left upper arm'.

Mr Flack said that transection of the left axillary artery - the main artery to the arm - was also a contributory cause to her death.

Multi-organ failure and hypovolemic shock - where a severe loss of blood or other fluids prevents the heart from pumping enough blood - were also given as contributory causes.

Lincoln Brookes, senior coroner for Essex, said - after details of the case were outlined by Mr Flack - that he would suspend the hearing pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

'I've received a written request from Essex Police to suspend the coronial proceedings pending a criminal investigation,' said Mr Brookes.

'I accordingly grant that request.'

He said he would review the suspension after three months, and asked that his 'deepest condolences' are passed to the family.