Police officers investigating an alleged animal cruelty incident in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward – with one woman arrested.

Dorset Police was called at 8.13pm last night (Wednesday, August 12) to a report of concern for the welfare of a woman who had allegedly attempted to strangle her dog on the beach to the right of Bournemouth pier.

Officers attended and arrested a 45-year-old local woman on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

She is assisting officers with their enquiries.

The dog – a golden Rhodesian Ridgeback – was seized by officers and taken to the vets as a precaution.

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Police sergeant Paul Mellor, of Dorset Police’s volume crime team, said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who was on the beach yesterday evening and may have witnessed what happened.

“I believe there was a large number of people in the area at the time and I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200120197.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.