Police have launched a manhunt after reports of a dog allegedly attacking children in Battersea's Latchmere Recreation Ground.

At around 11.30am on February 2, a member of the public reported to police that they had witnessed a dog attack two children in the park.

In a previous statement, police said that the witness described the dog as an XL Bully.

It was allegedly not on its lead or wearing a muzzle at the time of the attack.

Officers said that the children were found safe but with minor injuries.

The owner had already left the park when police arrived on scene.

A second instance saw the dog attempt to attack a child and parent in the same area.

The owner reportedly managed to keep hold of the dog but was struggling to do so.

Police have appealed for any information about the dog’s owner or incidents to help their investigation.

They have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incidents.

Police encourage anyone who has any information to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting CAD 2864/2Feb.

You can also post on X @MetCC or contact us anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Police said: “We would like to speak to the pictured man in regards to two reports of his dog being not safely in control.

“The first report detailed an attack on two children in the Battersea area, namely Latchmere Rec Ground where injury was caused, detailed below;

"Police were called at around 11:30hrs on Friday, 2 February, by a member of the public who said they had seen a dog attack some children in Latchmere Recreation Ground, Burns Road, SW11.

“We attended the scene within a few minutes and found the children, who were all safe but had received some minor injuries.

“The dog, who was not on the lead and was not wearing a muzzle at the time of the attack, had already left the park with its owner.

“The second in the same area, where the dog went to attack a child and parent however the owner managed to keep hold of the dog, but was reportedly struggling to do so.

“If you know who this is, please let us know to help further our investigation.

“Our thanks are as always in advance.”