POLICE are appealing for the public to be vigilant as they continue to search for a dangerous dog following the shooting dead of two Pit Bull type animals.
Armed police shot and killed the dogs after two people were bitten by the animals in Queens Park, Bolton, this morning.
Another dog escaped the scene and, despite a police search, is still on the loose.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident which unfolded this morning.
At around 10.20am, police say they were called to reports that five Pit Bull type dogs were behaving dangerously in the Chorley New Road park.
Emergency services attended the scene and discovered that a woman, thought to be in her 40s, had been bitten on the hand and a man had been bitten on both legs. A dog also suffered serious injuries and a woman, who was in shock, was taken to hospital.
Armed response officers were called out and two dogs were shot and another two were caught in Deane Road.
Officers also launched a search for another dog which was believed to be part of the group.
It is described as being large, short-haired and with a bulky/muscular build.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing it running off back towards Queens Park from Deane Road and police are reminding members of the public to remain vigilant.
Flowers and teddy bear left in street where dog was shot dead by police in Deane Road, Bolton
Superintendent Chris Allsop of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our primary aim is to protect the public and we will always strive to do everything in our power to do so.
“While officers are working closely with dog wardens to search for the remaining dog, I’d like to remind people that their safety is extremely important.
“Although, we haven’t received any further reports of a dog being dangerously out of control, if you see a dog matching the description, please don’t approach it but call 101 straight away so trained officers can respond and ensure everyone’s safety.
Deane Road and Salisbury Street were closed by police for around two hours whilst they dealt with dogs running around the streets, and re-opened shortly before 1pm.
But at 6pm a police spokesman told The Bolton News that one of the dogs was still missing.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place and affray. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Armed officers returned to the scene of the dog shootings at around 2pm for a short time and inspected the area but left again soon after.
Shocked eyewitnesses have spoken of the scene that unfolded as they were enjoying a sunny Sunday morning.
Marya Mahmood, who works at Room Four Dessert in Deane Road said: “There were two dogs running around and they ran at the police so the police shot them. There was a guy who had four other dogs on a lead.
“He got upset — he was crying because his dogs were shot by the police.”
A video taken from inside the restaurant shows police cars descending on the road with people screaming before gunshots are heard.
Another eyewitness, who was nearby at the time and did not wish to be named, said: “The dogs had no muzzles on their heads. He (the owner) was just trying to control the dogs. He didn’t have a lot of control over them.
“The police were very good. They told everyone to get back in their houses, they were saying there are dogs that are loose.”
Superintendent Allsop said: “Highly trained officers responded quickly to the scene and took control to avoid the situation from escalating.
“The officers acted with our number one priority in mind; to protect people and prevent them from harm.”
He added that police are keen to speak to anyone who may have filmed the incident.
“I’d also like to again thank the public for their support as our team of officers, who are highly skilled and experienced in incidents like this, continue with their enquiries,” he said.
“I’m aware that there may be people who filmed the dogs both during and after the incident and I’m urging those people to get in touch with us as this may be vital in establishing the exact circumstances.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 869 of 02/04/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article