Man charged after dog bites police officer

The Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog ran off and has not been located (stock image)

A man has been charged with multiple offences after a police officer was bitten by a dog.

Police said the animal was let off its lead as the officer approached a man who had got out of a vehicle in Coy Pond Road, Poole, on Friday night.

The officer had been responding to reports of suspicious activity involving the vehicle in the Cardigan Road area at about 22:30 BST.

Andre Harold Willis, 32, of South Norwood in London, was arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, driving whilst disqualified and driving without valid insurance.

Dorset Police said the dog, described as a Staffy or bulldog-type, ran off and has not been found.

The force said it was not believed to "pose a significant risk to members of the public", but anyone who sees a dog matching the description in the Talbot Park area is advised not to approach it but to call the police.

The officer was treated for a number of puncture wounds, the force added.

Mr Willis is due to appear before Poole magistrates on Monday.