Police dog ‘repeatedly punched’ during arrest in west London

Met Police say they are 'incredibly proud' of Ernie who, along with officers, chased and apprehended the suspect

Dog was injured after police received calls about a man approaching women on their phones, force says (Met Police)

A man is being investigated on suspicion of animal cruelty after he repeatedly punched a police dog which was assisting in his arrest, Scotland Yard has said.

The 28-year-old man is suspected of attacking a woman and robbing another in Hayes, west London.

He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery, resisting arrest, common assault and animal cruelty.

The Metropolitan Police said they received two calls of the man approaching women using their phones on Tuesday night.

He punched one in the back of the head as he approached her from behind and repeatedly tried to take the phone from the other woman’s hand on a bus before fleeing, the force added.

Police searched for a man matching the suspect’s description in Almond Avenue, West Drayton.

“Two officers from the dog support unit and police dog Ernie chased and apprehended the suspect who struggled and repeatedly punched the dog,” the Met said.

The man was taken to hospital with a dog bite, but the injury is not life-threatening or life-changing, according to the force.

Superintendent Emma Richards said: “I am incredibly proud of the actions of the officers involved in this incident and Ernie who was injured by an individual intent on attempting to steal from and harm members of the public going about their daily lives.

“Violence against anyone – whether it is a member of the public, a police officer or police animal – is completely unacceptable and this should send a clear message that we will take such acts of violence seriously.”

The suspect has been released under investigation.

Detectives said the first attack happened around 10.20pm in Coldharbour Lane, with the second taking place at about 11.20pm on a bus in North Hyde Road.