The family of a mum mauled to death by her own XL bully dogs in Hornchurch has said she was "loved by everyone".

Angeline Mahal was named locally as the woman who died after an attack by the two dogs in her home in Cornwall Close, on Monday, May 20.

A relative told The Sun: "We miss her, she was sincere and loved by everyone."

They added: "We asked her to get rid of the dogs.

"The bond with owners and their dogs is too strong."

The horrifying incident prompted an urgent response from armed police officers with riot shields, and residents in the area were forced to evacuate their homes as a safety precaution.

Angeline was found with serious injuries and, despite immediate medical intervention, died later at the scene.

Romford Recorder: A family member said they had asked her to 'get rid of the dogs'A family member said they had asked her to 'get rid of the dogs' (Image: Olivia Carter)

An elderly couple, who do not wish to be named, said they were shocked by what happened.

They came out of their home to see what was going on after teams of police arrived. 

The lady said: "At first, I was frightened. I just thought 'what the hell is going on?'

"We didn't know the woman, didn't see the dogs.

"We're just sort of shocked. 

"It’s what you see on telly you know, someone else is being reported about, or a crime series."

Her husband described how he initially believed there had been a stabbing or a shooting after seeing armed police arrive at the scene. 

The couple added: "What she must have gone through if they (the dogs) attacked her, it’s frightening."

The two XL bully dogs were contained in a room inside the house during the incident and later seized by police officers.

READ MORE: Cornwall Close, Hornchurch dog attack death: Pictures from scene

XL bully dogs were added to the banned list for England and Wales last year, and all dogs of this breed must be registered and have a muzzle.

The dogs involved in the fatal attack were registered under the government's new scheme.