A WOMAN has been arrested in connection with reports of a dog being strangled on Bournemouth beach. 

Police were called to reports of a concern for the welfare of a woman on the beach to the right of Bournemouth Pier at 8.13pm on Wednesday, August 12.

Officers attended and arrested a 45-year-old local woman on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Police say she is assisting officers with their enquiries.

The dog – a golden Rhodesian Ridgeback – was seized by officers and taken to the vets as a precaution.

Police Sergeant Paul Mellor, of Dorset Police’s Volume Crime Team, said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who was on the beach yesterday evening and may have witnessed what happened.

“I believe there was a large number of people in the area at the time and I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200120197. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.