In a tragic incident overnight, a woman has lost her life after being mauled by three pit bulls in Portsmouth. The incident occurred at a residence on Atlanta Avenue, between Lincoln and Randolph streets, just after 1:30 a.m. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was found by police officers with severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away.

Authorities have confirmed that the three dogs involved in the attack were pit bulls and they are now in custody. Portsmouth Police Chief, Stephen Jenkins, has assured the community that the dogs are quarantined and no longer pose a threat to the Prentis Park area. He has also issued a statement urging residents to refrain from interacting with animals without explicit permission from their owners to prevent future incidents.

According to Lawrence Davis, a neighbor residing across the street, the victim was a visitor at the time of the attack. The dogs are reportedly owned by a man who resides in the same house. Chief Jenkins initially stated that officers had not previously been called to the residence, but he later clarified that Portsmouth Animal Patrol officers had responded to the address three times in the last 12 months, once for a bite injury.

At this stage, no charges have been filed in connection with the incident. The case is currently being treated as a death investigation, and further details are yet to be released by authorities. Chief Jenkins expressed his condolences to the victim's family, emphasizing the sadness surrounding the tragic incident.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.