A 48-year-old man has been arrested after he "killed his dog by hanging it from a rope in front of passersby" in a Mottingham street.

Police were called at 6.50pm on Tuesday to reports a man had just killed his dog in Beaconsfield Parade, Beaconsfield Road.

Officers attended and found the body of a dead dog, which had been tied to railings outside a flat with a rope around its neck.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said: “Lots of people saw it.

"He hung it on the scaffolding near to the Dil Tandoori restaurant with a rope around its neck.”

A local business owner, who also asked not to be named, said: “It was just before seven o’clock.

"That man is a trouble maker. He is always fighting with his dog, all the time.

“There’s always trouble around here.”

The man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody.

Bromley CID are investigating and officers are liaising with the RSPCA.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "This sounds like a horrible incident and upsetting for all involved.

"We are keen to help the police with their enquiries in any way we can."

Did you see what happened? Call the news desk on 01689 88576 or email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk.