THE inquest into the death of a woman savaged by a police dog has been opened.

Middlesbrough pensioner Irene Collins died in hospital in July days after she was bitten by a German Shepherd which was in her house searching for a suspect.

The dog, which is now due to be put down, was in her Penrith Road home on Park End while officers were searching for a suspect during a drugs operation.

The 73-year-old suffered injuries to her arm and leg in the incident.

The inquest was opened an adjourned to a later date at Teesside Coroners Court.