A 34-year-old mother of five died after being bitten by one of her dogs during a dispute over chicken nuggets, an inquest has heard. Michelle Hempstead of Southend-on-Sea was feeding her two dogs - a Pomeranian named Pom and a mastiff-rottweiler cross named Trigg - at her Essex flat on July 29, 2024, when the incident occurred. The larger dog, Trigg, bit Ms. Hempstead around her left armpit and upper arm while snapping at the smaller dog during the food dispute.

The bite severed an artery and vein, leading to traumatic blood loss that ultimately caused multiple organ failure. Ms. Hempstead was rushed to hospital following the incident but tragically passed away the next day at the Royal London Hospital. Bystanders had initially rushed to provide first aid after hearing her screams during the incident at her flat.

At the Essex Coroner's Court hearing in Chelmsford, Ms. Hempstead's partner Samuel West described the incident as an "absolute freak accident." He told the court that Ms. Hempstead had bought McDonald's food and "had a box of, I think, 20 nuggets" that she liked to throw in the air for the dogs. Mr. West explained that as Pom went to get a nugget, "Trigg's done this thing where he chomps his mouth" and accidentally caught Ms. Hempstead under the arm.

Senior coroner Lincoln Brookes noted the additional tragedy that Ms. Hempstead and her family had suffered another bereavement just weeks before when her daughter passed away. The coroner accepted evidence that both dogs were "quite well behaved" and described Trigg as "an otherwise gentle giant." Mr. West emphasized that Trigg "didn't have a bad bone in his body" and never showed aggression prior to the incident.

London's Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of an 85-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a fellow patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Andrew Farmer, from Ealing in west London, sustained serious injuries during the incident on September 18 and died a week later on September 25, according to police statements released Wednesday.

The investigation centers around an altercation between two patients at the west London hospital, with authorities confirming that 70-year-old Anatoliy Podmazko, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm on September 20. Podmazko is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 as the case progresses from initial charges to a full murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time. We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation." The police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and subsequent death.

Andrew Farmer's partner of 60 years, Paul Wrigley, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as "my partner through thick and thin for 60 years" and noting his academic achievements as "an Oxford First" who had deep interests in opera, Devon topography, and helping the underprivileged. Wrigley remembered Farmer as "scholarly but with a wry sense of humor" in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, concluding with "Rest now, my dear friend."