The pet American Bully XL of a young woman who was mauled to death by dogs at a Surrey beauty spot has been put down by officers.

Natasha Johnston, 28, died of “multiple penetrating” bites to her neck after the attack on January 12 in Gravelly Hill, Caterham.

Ms Johnston, from Croydon, is believed to have been walking a number of dogs when she was attacked, including her own American Bully XL.

She suffered shock and haemorrhage including a wound to her left jugular vein according to the inquest.

Two dogs (both Dachshunds) were returned to their owner at the end of April and Natasha’s dog has been put down following the attack.

The five other dogs remain in private kennels and police are in contact with their owners.

At the opening of an inquest into her death, coroner Simon Wickens expressed his “sincere condolences” to Ms Johnston’s family “and all those touched by her life”.

The coroner said on Tuesday: “A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on January 18.

“The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.

“The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.”

Mr Wickens confirmed Ms Johnston’s listed occupation was a dog walker and formally recognised her family as interested persons in the proceedings.

“I offer Natasha’s family and indeed all those touched by her life my sincere condolences,” he said.

In a statement previously issued through police, Ms Johnston’s family said: “This is an extremely difficult time for us and as well as dealing with this sudden loss in our family, the significant level of media interest and the graphic nature of some of the reporting has been a source of additional distress.

“We continue to appeal for our privacy to be respected during our time of grief.”

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “We have now received a forensic veterinary report and this has been shared with the Surrey Coroner.

“As a result of this, two dogs (both Dachshunds) were returned to their owner at the end of April and one dog, which belonged to the deceased, has been put to sleep.

“The five other dogs remain in private kennels and we are speaking with their owners regarding recommendations from the report.

“The breed of dog that was put to sleep is believed to be an American Bully XL.”