Police tasered a man and shot two dogs dead in front of screaming witnesses next to a canal in east London.
Footage posted on social media showed officers pursuing the man holding the two dogs on a short lead along the canal in Limehouse on Sunday afternoon.
The situation then appeared to become heated, as the man was tasered to the floor and the animals were shot dead.
Witnesses in the surrounding flats could be heard screaming as the first animal was shot, with one shouting: “Why did you shoot the dog?”
In a video of the shocking incident, the same witness is then heard saying: “I think they’ve killed it, I think they’ve killed it.”
Officers had arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a woman being attacked by a dog.
Commenting on the incident, police said officers “have a duty to act where necessary before any further injury is caused.”
In a statement, the force said: “Police were called just after 5pm on Sunday May 7 to a woman being attacked by a dog in Commercial Road, E14.
“Officers attended the location where the aggressive behaviour of two dogs was of considerable concern and posed a significant threat to them.
“A man was arrested in connection with the incident for having a dog dangerously out of control and assault offences. He has been taken into police custody.
“A Taser was discharged by police.”
The statement continued: “No person was taken to hospital.
“Both dogs were destroyed by police at the scene.
“This is never an easy decision for any officer to take, but police have a duty to act where necessary before any further injury is caused.
“The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards will review the circumstances of the incident.”
Limehouse MP Apsana Begum said she was seeking answers from police about the “distressing” shooting.
It is been brought to my attention that there is a video circulating of two dogs appearing to be shot dead by police in Limehouse.
— Apsana Begum MP (@ApsanaBegumMP) May 9, 2023
I am aware this is understandably causing distress.
I assure constituents that I am seeking answers as to what has happened.
She tweeted: “It is been brought to my attention that there is a video circulating of two dogs appearing to be shot dead by police in Limehouse. I am aware this is understandably causing distress.
“I assure constituents that I am seeking answers as to what has happened.”
