Police at the scene of a fatal dog attack in Moerewa.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Moerewa’s community is shocked and grieving after an elderly woman was killed in a dog attack on Thursday.

Far North deputy mayor Kelly Stratford requested privacy for the small Northland community, as they dealt with the tragedy.

Two other people were injured in the dog attack, which happened on the deceased woman’s property on Otiria Road.

The animal involved was reportedly shot by a neighbour, before police arrived.

Stratford said the dog’s body was removed from the scene by Animal Control.

A family member in Moerewa told RNZ his aunt had been killed.

The elderly woman had been hanging out washing when a dog came onto her property and attacked her.

On Thursday, distraught family members gathered outside the house.

Police were alerted to the attack at about 4.40pm and arrived to find the woman’s body, acting Senior Sergeant James Calvert said.

A scene examination is currently being undertaken.

Police confirmed the dog had been killed and there was no ongoing risk to the public in relation to the attacks.

St John Ambulance said two people suffered moderate injuries, after being attacked by the dog. One was taken to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa.

Earlier, it was reported two people had been taken to hospital.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

Last year, Northland man Neville Thomson, 69, was attacked by dogs he was temporarily looking after.

The attack happened on Thomson’s property in Pānguru.