A man has been arrested after armed police were forced to shoot a dog in order to protect the public after it bit someone while on the loose.

North Yorkshire Police said it was called to the Bellhouse Way area of York following reports that several dogs were on the loose.

One of the animals, described as a large Alsatian-type dog, had bitten a member of the public and then went on to chase a delivery driver.

Armed police offices, who were called to the scene, closed the road while they searched for the dog at around 3.15pm on Friday (Dec 5). The road reopened at around 4.30pm.

A statement from North Yorkshire Police said a man in his 50s was arrested.

A statement said: “Due to the serious risk of danger to other members of the public, firearms officers were sent to the scene where they closed the road to protect the public while they searched for the dog.

“A short time later the dog was found on a driveway of a property and due to its agitated and aggressive state, a firearms officer was instructed to put the dog down due to serious public safety concerns.

“Officers have arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of owning a dangerous dog which is out of control causing injury. He is currently in police custody.

“The man who was bitten on the leg required hospital treatment to his injuries.”