A “courageous” dog has bitten a man while defending itself from being stolen away from its owner in Sutton.

A woman was walking her dog at a park near Knockholt Close on September 28 at around 6.30pm.

The closest parks to Knockholt Close are Belmont Park and Overton Park Recreation Ground but it has not been confirmed by police where the incident took place.

A man approached the owner, 41, and the Boxer/Staffie cross and stroked the dog.

After a while, the woman walked away from the man with the dog, but he soon came back and demanded that she handed over the animal.

She refused and the man tried to take the pet from her by force and she was left with cut marks on her face and neck.

The man managed to get hold of the dog and started running away, but the dog bit the man in the leg.

An officer has praised the dog for “preventing the theft” and collecting “DNA evidence that may provide the identity of the suspect” by defending itself.

The suspect then kicked and punched the pet, which eventually broke free and ran back to its owner.

They returned home and the woman contacted the police about the incident.

Police were unable to find CCTV footage of the attempted theft, but the dog had traces of the man's blood around its mouth, which was a good source of the suspect's DNA.

Officers are currently waiting for the results of the DNA which will be checked against a national database.

If you witnessed this incident or have any further information, contact police quoting crime reference number 5969/28SEP.

PC Heath Keogh of the Met’s South Area Command said: “Not only did this courageous animal prevent the theft, but he also collected DNA evidence that may provide the identity of the suspect!

“We understand the fear and distress that reports such as this can cause to other dog owners, but there are steps that you can take in order to reduce your chances of becoming a victim and, if you are unlucky enough to be targeted, increase the chances of getting your dog back.

“Pets, particularly dogs, are members of the family, they are not an item of property and the effects on the victim can be devastating.

“If you are the victim of a dog theft, even if your dog isn’t taken, please do report it to police so that we can be on the lookout for the suspects.”

The Metropolitan Police has released guidance tips on their website on how to prevent dog theft and what to do if your dog is stolen.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the attempted theft of a dog in Sutton.

“At around 18:30hrs on Wednesday, 28 September police received a report of an attempted dog theft at Knockholt Close, Sutton.

“The owner of the dog, a 41-year-old woman, was walking the Boxer/Staff cross at a park near Knockholt Close when she was approached by a man who complemented the victim on the dog and began stoking the animal.

“Eventually the victim walked away with her dog, but after a short time the same man approached her and demanded she give him the dog.

“She refused and a struggle took place during which the victim sustained cuts to her neck and cheek.

“The suspect began to flee with the dog, but the dog protested by biting him several times on the leg.

“The dog, who was kicked and punched by the suspect, eventually broke free running back to his owner.

“They returned home and called police.

“The victim’s injuries were not life threatening.

“Officers conducted a search of the area and trawled local CCTV but no trace of the suspect had been captured.

“The dog, having bitten the suspect, had traces of blood around his mouth and the blood was swabbed and submitted for comparison against the national DNA database.

“We await the results.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5969/28SEP.

“To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.”