Armed police were forced to shoot a dog after it attacked members of the public.

A German shepherd injured two people at Woodland Chase, by the canal path in Croxley Green, at around 11.30am yesterday (May 19).

Today (May 20), a force spokesperson said: “Attempts were made to contain the dog and trace the owners, but when these failed, firearms officers were called to the scene and in order to protect the public and prevent further injuries, had to destroy the dog.

Update: Herts Police later confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. He was then given a conditional caution. Read more in our latest article here.

“This is always a difficult decision to make but protecting the public is always our first priority.”

Both victims needed medical attention and so an ambulance was also sent to the scene.

Walkers who had been near Woodland Chase at the time yesterday were told to vacate the area by police officers while the animal was loose.