This is the first picture of a 55-year-old mother who died when she was attacked by a dog on a public footpath.

Sharon Jennings was bitten on the hand and neck after intervening in a fight between her pet and another dog in Preston, Lancashire, on May 31.

Mrs Jennings took her pet to the vets, but didn't seek any medical treatment herself but she was found unwell at her home three days later and taken to hospital.

Sharon Jennings, believed to be pictured with her daughter Natalie Mather, 28, was bitten on the hand and neck after intervening in a fight between her pet and another dog in Preston

Her family were told she developed sepsis after the wounds became infected and she died last Friday.

Her daughter, Natalie Mather, 28, posted a picture on Facebook the next day which is believed to be of her as a child with her mother.

In an earlier post on Facebook, Miss Mather wrote: 'Well mum, you tried your best and you fought as hard as you could. I still can't believe you have gone.

'I will never forget the crazy lady you was (sic). Kind-hearted and always looked after everybody else first. I love you so much mum and so do the kids. Sleep tight beautiful.'

Lancashire Police said a 49-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act. He was later released under investigation.

Mrs Jennings had been out walking her dog along a disused railway line in Preston (pictured) between 6 and 7.30pm on May 31 when she was attacked

A dog has been seized. Mrs Jennings had been out walking her dog along a disused railway line between 6 and 7.30pm on May 31 when she was attacked.

Detective Inspector Chris Wellard said: 'While we have made an arrest I would like to stress that our enquiries into this incident are very much ongoing.

'I would like to thank the local community for their support of our investigation so far and ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident itself, and not yet contacted us, does so as soon as possible.'

Sepsis is triggered by an infection in the body, which can sometimes happen after being bitten by an animal.

Most people show symptoms within three to five days and have mottled skin and fast breathing.

If untreated the illness can result in a heart attack or kidney failure and ultimately death, within the space of just a few days.