A German shepherd dog has been seized by police and could be destroyed after reports it attacked a 52-year-old woman, leaving her with puncture wounds.

The dog was picked up in St Benet's Grove, Carshalton, after the woman said it ran from a house and bit her before going back inside then coming out and attacking her again - all while it was off the lead at around 11pm on Thursday, January 3.

Police were picked up the five-year-old dog at midday today and took it to be examined by a vet.

An appointment will be made for the animal's owner to explain what happened to officers.

Sergeant Gill De'Voreaux said: "We have a duty to protect the public from dogs that are reported to be dangerously out of control in public places. If the case goes to court it will be up to the court to decide what should happen to the dog.

"The court may decide that the dog can be returned to its owner subject to certain conditions which would need to be adhered to avoid the dog being destroyed."