A Romanian artist stunned Woolwich shoppers yesterday afternoon by sculpting a dog and puppy entirely out of sand.

Dorinan Ionescu, of Griffin Road, Plumstead, has been dubbed ‘the sandman’ by residents who have seen him create amazing pieces around South-East London.

The 41-year-old said he has been working with sand for more than five years.

He said: “All you have to do is add water and you can create absolutely anything. I created a dog because I saw a mother feeding its puppy the day before and it was a beautiful thing of nature.”

Spotting him outside JD Sports on Powis Street, India Ram said his dog and puppy piece was spectacular.

She said: “I was completely arrested by his creation. He was outside JD sports creating this incredible piece live out of sand.”