Police are continuing to search for the owner of what is thought to be an XL Bully dog which attacked children in Battersea's Latchmere Recreation Ground.

At around 11.30am on February 2, a member of the public reported to police that they had witnessed a dog attack two children in the park.

In a previous statement, police said that the witness described the dog as an XL Bully.

It was allegedly not on its lead or wearing a muzzle at the time of the attack.

Officers said that the children were found safe but with minor injuries.

The owner had already left the park when police arrived on scene.

A second instance saw the dog attempt to attack a child and parent in the same area.

The owner reportedly managed to keep hold of the dog but was struggling to do so.

Police have appealed for any information about the dog’s owner or incidents to help their investigation.

They have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incidents.

Police encourage anyone who has any information to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting CAD 2864/2Feb.

You can also post on X @MetCC or contact us anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Officers have confirmed that they are not treating these incidents as connected to a more recent attack on Home Road, Battersea despite how close the two attacks took place.

This happened just after 10pm on Monday (March 18) and armed police shot the dog.

Four men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that were not life-threatening.

A 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being the owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

Today (Wednesday, March 20), police have confirmed that these people have been bailed pending further enquiries to dates in mid-June.

There have been no other arrests.

Investigators are examining the dog to confirm its breed.

Footage of the attack shows one person throwing a blanket over the dog while another repeatedly hits it with what appears to be a helmet by the side of a car.

Despite the attack happening late on Monday night, a blood-stained blanket could be seen left out on York Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Local MP Marsha de Cordova said she was “deeply concerned” to hear the news of the attack.

From February 1, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.

Anyone who owns one of the dogs must have had the animal neutered, have it microchipped and keep it muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.