Pianist mauled by dogs

4:42pm Monday 6th October 2008

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A MUM suffered horrific injuries when she was savaged by two dogs.

Professional pianist Mary Dullea was attacked outside her front door in Roydene Road, Plumstead Common, at just after 11pm.

Her 19-month-old son, Daithi, was with her at the time. He escaped injury when his pram toppled over in the opposite direction to the dogs.

However, 35-year-old Mrs Dullea was not so lucky.

Her husband, 34-year-old professional violinist Darragh Morgan, who was performing in Lisbon at the time, said: "She was on the floor immediately. The dogs just latched onto her arm and leg and mauled her for two minutes.

"The baby was the priority, motherly instinct just kicked in. While being mauled she never once let go of the pram. We're just thankful the baby was asleep and made no noise, otherwise who knows."

The attack only ended when the dogs' owner hit the dogs with a lead.

Described by neighbours as looking like Staffordshire bull terriers, the two dogs were off the lead and ran down the steps from nearby Winn's Common before attacking Mrs Dullea.

Mr Morgan added: "Neighbours saw the man and dogs just walking away.

"Two attempted to chase after him, but the owner turned, saying Don't try and follow me', while his dogs snarled at them."

He says the man was last seen heading for the bus stop outside nearby Greenslade School, in Erindale.

Mr Morgan said: "I hope this guy is caught and the dogs are put down. Until then we won't feel safe. We don't want this to happen again."

Mrs Dullea suffered bite injuries to her right arm and leg in the attack on September 27.

She went to A&E at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, for treatment before being transferred to St Thomas' Hospital at Waterloo. She is still there and will undergo her fourth operation on Thursday.

Mr Morgan says his wife's injuries went "right to the bone" and she has had to have three operations, including a skin graft.

It is not yet clear how the injuries to Mrs Dullea's arm will affect her career as a pianist.

Mr Morgan added: "Her mobility is better but she's on morphine. It is too early to discuss whether she will make a full recovery."

Mrs Dullea was returning from a jazz concert at St Mark and St Margaret Church Hall, Old Mill Road, Plumstead, when she was attacked.

Since then several concerts she was to perform at have had to be cancelled and unless she makes a swift recovery more will follow.

Mr Morgan, who has worked with the Spice Girls, Paul McCartney and David Bowie, has also been forced to cancel a nine-day tour of his native Ireland to look after his wife and son.

Police have opened an investigation.

Superintendent for Safer Neighbourhoods and Partnership Brian Cherek said: "Officers are patrolling the area.

"We would urge the dog's owner to contact the police.

"He is described as in his twenties, 6ft tall, slim and light skinned with medium-length hair, possibly dreadlocks. He walked away towards Erindale Terrace."

If you have information, call 0208 7212638 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

by Clare Roberts