Dog put down by police after biting officer

The dog, described as a pocket bully by police, ran off after attacking the officer on Friday night (stock image)

A dog that bit a police officer after it was let loose has been put down "due to the ongoing threat it posed to the public".

Dorset Police said the dog - believed to be a pocket bully - was let off its lead by a man in a vehicle stopped by police on Coy Pond Road, Poole, on Friday night.

The force said the officer bitten by the dog was treated for a number of puncture wounds to his legs and arm.

Searches had been ongoing for the dog after it ran off along with the man from the vehicle, who was arrested the following day. The dog was found on Monday afternoon in Talbot Village.

The force said: "Regrettably, having explored all other options, the dog was put down by officers due to the ongoing threat it posed to the public.

"The decision was made after exploring all other contingencies, while balancing the safety to the public."

The force also thanked those who provided information to assist officers with locating the dog.

Andre Willis, 32, of South Norwood in London, has been 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 he appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Monday and was due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on 8 May.