Boyfriend 'numb' after dog killing

Kirsty Ross died at her home from neck injuries

The boyfriend of a young mother savaged to death by her pet dog during an epileptic fit has spoken of being left "numb" by the tragedy.

Kirsty Ross, 25, was found dead on Tuesday night with her 22-month-old daughter Kaylie in the same room while the family's Dobermann was upstairs in the house at Helston, Cornwall.

Police originally treated her death as suspicious, assuming her throat had been cut.

She was such a quiet, innocent and gentle person

Kenny Bowley

But a post mortem found she had actually suffered a fit and was then bitten in the neck by her dog.

Her boyfriend Kenny Bowling, with whom she shared the house, said he was could not believe what had happened.

"Kirsty and I have been together for 10 years and she was such a quiet, innocent and gentle person," he said.

"She was a brilliant mum who was loving towards our daughter and was loved by the whole family.

"I cannot believe this has happened to us and it has left me numb."

'Dedicated student'

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said the Dobermann had been put down following consultations with the family.

Miss Ross's daughter is being cared for by relatives.

Staff at Helston School also paid tribute to Miss Ross, who was a pupil at the school until 1991.

A school spokesperson said: "She was a dedicated student, always a delight and will be a very sad loss.

"She gave 100% to her studies. Those who knew her at the school and in the wider community have been shocked and saddened by this news."

Major investigation

Immediately after the discovery of her body a major investigation was launched with around 25 officers and an incident room set up in Falmouth.

But on Wednesday it was announced the death was no longer being treated as suspicious.

The actual cause of death has not been disclosed.

A spokesman said it appeared Miss Ross had been bitten on the neck by the Dobermann either during or after suffering an epileptic fit.