Dangerous dogs being trained for fighting are putting toddlers at a popular children’s playground at risk, according to residents.

They say in a number of incidents in recent months, dogs taken to Agnes Riley Gardens on the border of Balham and Streatham Hill have escaped their owners’ control and run riot in the playground.

In September a dog broke free from its owners and leapt at a swing where an 18-month-old girl was sitting, its jaws missing the toddler by inches, according to her mother.

Weeks later a small dog was attacked and killed by a snarling dog that wrestled free from its teenage owner, according to another parent.

Police say they have not received any official complaints about dogs in the area, but parents and local residents are urging officers to increase patrols at the park in Poynders Road and to clamp down on irresponsible owners.

Lambeth Council has also promised to fix a fence bordering an adjacent block of flats in Poynders Gardens that enables people from the estate to walk directly into the playground with their dogs.

Mum Emily Jones said a group of 10 youths were walking dogs on the afternoon her daughter narrowly missed being bitten on the swing.

“The dog just went mad and ran towards my daughter. I was petrified – I was sure it would bite her. When the dog missed the swing I grabbed my daughter and ran.”

She said she believed dogs were being trained for fighting in the playground by jumping for swings.

Another resident told the Streatham Guardian she was approached on the street while walking her dog and told if she wanted it to fight, it could easily be arranged.

A police spokeswoman said Lambeth’s safer neighbourhoods teams regularly patrolled the area and would actively look into all complaints or concerns the public had.

  • Have you been affected by dangerous dogs? Let us know by email or phone the newsroom on 020 8330 9538.