A MAN has been detained after a woman was mauled to death by escaped dogs in Rowley Regis this afternoon (Friday April 2).

Police were alerted after an elderly woman, in her 80s, was found with serious injuries in a rear garden in Boundary Avenue at around 3.20pm.

But despite the best efforts of emergency services she was confirmed dead at the scene soon afterwards.

It's understood two dogs - which did not belong to the woman - had managed to get into her garden and she was attacked.

She sustained dog bite injuries although a post mortem will take place in due course to establish the cause of death.

A 43-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and he remains in custody for questioning.

Two dogs have been seized and are due to undergo examination to establish their breed.

A police scene and presence is expected to remain in place in the area as police work to establish the circumstances of what happened.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman at this deeply distressing time."