Dangerous dog shot after police attacked

Just before 8am on Thursday morning officers from Streatham police attended Whitworth House in Falmouth Road to search a flat under section 18 of the police and criminal evidence act. They wished to speak to a man in connection with burglary offences.

As the door was opened the dog – an English bull terrier – ran out and attacked the officers. They attempted to restrain the dog by pinning it down but it was too strong and bit them. As the dog was completely out of control the officers called for urgent assistance as it was feared that it could attack and seriously injure a member of the public or a child. An armed response unit and dogs unit were called.

The armed unit arrived and one of the officers was immediately attacked and bitten. As a precaution and to protect others the dog was shot by the officer. The dog was killed.

The five officers attacked received multiple bites to arms, legs and other parts of the body. The armed officer suffered serious arm injuries. They were akk taken to St Thomas' hospital where they were treated for puncture wounds, tissue damage and shock.

The woman occupant was also bitten but not seriously injured.

As is routine whenever a firearm is discharged by police there will be an investigation into the circumstances.

The man officers wished to speak to was not there at the time.