A 40-YEAR-old woman has collapsed and died almost three weeks after being attacked by two Rottweiler dogs. police have said.

       Marie Stevens was mauled by the hounds when she reportedly tried to pet them about 5.45pm on August 18 in Netherton in Merseyside.

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       Marie Stevens died three weeks after being mauled by two dogs, police have said

       She was taken to hospital for treatment - and was later discharged.

       But almost three weeks later on Sunday, September 3, cops were called to Marie's home in Brighton-le-Sands after paramedics reported she had collapsed and died.

       Police have said her cause of death was still being investigated, with initial findings suggesting she died of a pulmonary embolism

       It's not known whether her death was in any way related to the injuries she suffered in the attack..

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       A 41-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were arrested at the time of the attack on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

       They were later bailed with conditions.

       The Liverpool Echo reports that Marie was bitten repeatedly on her arms and legs when she went to pet the dogs, which were on a lead.

       One devastated friend said: "I got to know her through picking her up for work in my taxi.

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       "Proper sad news a proper nice person who loved animals, thoughts to her husband and family RIP."

       Another said: "Heartbreaking this. Rest In Perfect Peace Marie - thinking of all you family at this sad time."

       A third said: "This is so sad, I used to work with her - rest in peace."

       Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm a woman who was injured in a dog attack in Netherton last month has sadly died.

       "A post mortem determined the primary cause of death was a pulmonary embolism.

       "Her next of kin have been informed."

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       Marie shared images of her pet online Credit: Facebook 4

       Devastated friends paid tribute to her Credit: Facebook 4

       The scene of the attack in Netherton