TRIBUTES have been paid to a “fun, bubbly and selfless” woman who died in a tragic dog attack in Southend.

Michelle Hempstead, 34, was attacked by one her dogs in her ground floor flat in Retort Close, Southend, on July 30.

Ms Hempstead managed to escape and climbed over her balcony rail.

Despite the best efforts of neighbours, paramedics and doctors at the Royal London Hospital she did not survive.

Ms Hempstead was a beloved mother-of-five, and her death has left her family “absolutely heartbroken.”

Friends - Joanna, Michelle and LiahFriends - Joanna, Michelle and Liah (Image: Liah Smith)

Ms Hempstead’s friend of 10 years, Liah Smith, has paid tribute to her close friend who was “fun no matter the situation”.

Liah said: “She always went above and beyond for people, whether it was stray cats or rough sleepers, Michelle would always get them water, always do something and always recognise people.

“She was like that from the moment I knew her, we used to work together, and she always tried to help people.

“We were the same type of person and there was never a time that she wouldn’t help anyone, she always found a way.

“Even if all she had on her was £2 for the bus, she would have given it away, her attitude was so carefree and she was such a fun person, no matter the situation and even when times were tough.

“She was such a positive person, she was so bubbly all the time to the point where you would think ‘you can’t be like that all day’, she had gone through a lot but when she had her kids, she worked two jobs just to give them what they needed and moved to Southend.”

Liah said all her family and friends were let in total shock upon finding out Ms Hempstead had died.

She said: “It was too much, there was panic and we had no idea what was going to happen.

“It is so hard, I can imagine how hard it was for her, I can’t imagine her headspace and I cannot stop thinking about how she must have felt at the time.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack and the investigation is ongoing.

You can contribute to the fundraiser to give Michelle the send off she deserves at: gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-michelle-hempstead