A man who allegedly slammed a car door on a police dog's head has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and theft of a vehicle.

Officers were in Harrow Manorway, Abbey Wood, at around 12.30am on Thursday (February 7) when a car with false number plates was spotted.

After officers switched on their blue lights, the car sped away.

The vehicle was chased and officers from the Met’s dog support unit were called in.

Police say the suspect reversed into the dog unit vehicle and his stolen car got stuck on a roundabout.

An officer from the Met's dog unit approached, deploying police dog Alfa as they attempted to open the door which the suspect struggled to keep closed - allegedly slamming it on PD Alfa's head multiple times.

The man was eventually removed from the vehicle and arrested.

London Ambulance Service provided medical attention to the man for an arm injury sustained when the police dog detained him.

Alfa was taken to a vet for a check-up and was kept in for observation.

Superintendent Emma Richards said: “This officer and canine companion stopped at nothing to apprehend this violent and reckless individual, who showed no concern for the welfare of the public, police, or police animals in his actions.

“Our officers work day and night to make the streets of London a safer place, and this is a prime example of the kind of situations they encounter, but tackle with bravery and professionalism.

“We will be supporting the officer and PD Alfa over the coming days to ensure they both make a full recovery.”

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences including dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to a police vehicle and cruelty to an animal.

UPDATE:

Michael Ward, 36, of Templar Drive, Thamesmead was charged with the following offences on February 8: Aggravated theft of a vehicle, driving with no insurance, obstruction, driving while disqualified and criminal damage to Police Dog Alfa.

He appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on February 8 where he was found guilty of driving with no insurance, obstruction and driving whiel disqualified. 

The charges for aggravated theft of a vehicle and criminal damage to Police Dog Alfa were withdrawn. 

He is due to be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

Police Dog Alfa has now made a full recovery and returned to duty.