Thrissur (Kerala) | An 84-year-old bedridden woman died, and her sick son was injured in a suspected stray dog attack here on Thursday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Karthiyani of Kollanpadi at Vellarakkad, who was staying with her 60-year-old son, Devadas.

According to police, Karthiyani had been bedridden for the past few years, while Devadas was also suffering from health issues.

The incident came to light when Karthiyani’s other son, Mani, reached the house in the evening with dinner.

Police said Mani found Devadas severely injured while Karthiyani was lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.

Both were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where the death of the elderly woman was confirmed, police said.

Residents in the area told police that a stray dog had attacked two other persons in the vicinity earlier in the evening.

Police said the injuries found on Karthiyani’s body also appeared to be caused by dog bites.

Officials said the door of the house had been left open by Devadas as he was expecting his brother to arrive with dinner.

Police have started an investigation into the incident.

Police said the exact cause of death could be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, local residents are searching for the stray dog suspected to be behind the attack.

The body of the deceased will be handed over to relatives after the post-mortem on Friday, police added.