A man has been arrested after a pig was found dead earlier this year.

Police were called to reports of an animal in distress at a field off Elstree Hill South, near Elstree Hill roundabout on January 16.

At the time, officers found a pig which they believed had suffered multiple stab wounds, and it later died.

Now police understand that the injuries were caused by a dog.

As investigations continued into the attack, police say that a string of other “distressing animal cruelty and welfare offences” were found.

Humza Saleem, 23, from Belgrave Road in Hounslow has since been charged after his arrest this morning (June 23).

A dog that is suspected to be of a banned breed was also seized after the warrant executed.

Saleem’s charges include two counts of causing an animal fight to take place, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, four counts of keeping an animal for use in connection with animal fights, criminal damage, possessing a fighting dog and possessing extreme images.

ROST Sergeant Ryan Hemmings, who led the joint operation with other forces, said: “The warrant was executed as part of our ongoing investigations into an incident in Elstree earlier this year, where a pig was cruelly killed.

“The investigation has uncovered a string of other distressing animal cruelty and welfare offences which we continue to look into.

“Today’s operation was a great success and I’d like to thank everyone who assisted. Enquiries remain ongoing at this time.”

Saleem has been remanded into custody to appear before magistrates tomorrow (Thursday 24 June).