The government is being urged to bring forward plans to help local authorities crack down on dangerous dogs.

London councils are calling for action as the problem with 'status dogs' used by gangs as weapons is growing.

In 2006 the number of dogs seized by the Metropolitan Police stood at 193, in 2010 the figure rose to 1,107.

The number of dogs destroyed went up from 27 to 563 during the same period.

Now London Councils, which represents the capital's 33 authorities, is pressing the government to bring forward promised proposals for possible changes to the law.