A MAN repeatedly punched a police dog which helped arrest him in West Drayton on Tuesday evening.

It followed reports of two women being assaulted, one in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, the other on a bus in North Hyde Road.

The Met's Dog Support Unit was called to search for the assailant and a man matching the description was spotted in Almond Avenue, West Drayton.

Two officers and police dog Ernie chased and apprehended him as he struggled and repeatedly punched the dog.

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The 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, resisting arrest, common assault and animal cruelty. He was taken to hospital for treatment to a bite injury and released under investigation.

Supt 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 dog unit does an amazing job of protecting the public, apprehending offenders and taking dangerous weapons off the streets on a daily basis and this is just one example of their great work."