A man who has been attacked by the same dog four times, once protecting his disabled son, claims the police have been slow to act.

Father-of-three Andrew Alford, 38, claims the Staffordshire bull terrier’s owner repeatedly lets the dog off its lead to roam around.

The attacks, which have happened over the last month have left Mr Alford’s autistic son, Patrick, seven, so traumatised he can barely walk their own dog with his father for fear of being attacked.

Mr Alford said: “My son is not sleeping properly because of the dog. He went for him the other day and I had to get in the way which is when it bit my leg.

“I have called the police and so far nothing has been done. The last time it struck, last Friday, I was told someone would call me back. No one did.

“I am trying to teach my son the right way to do things, trying to bring him up right, but how can I explain to him what is going on every time I ring the police and they don’t show up.”

A council spokesman said: “We have had one complaint about a dog on the estate, received today at 2pm.

"The tenancy officer and neighbourhood wardens are proactive and have not been informed of a problem dog.

"The council is looking into the claims and a letter advising what action will be taken will be sent in due course.”

A police spokesman said: “Police received a report at about 9.50pm on September 4, that a dog had bitten him and attacked his own dog in Longheath Gardens, Croydon.

"The man was asked if he required London Ambulance Service to attend for his injuries but declined.

“The incident was referred to the safer neighbourhood team in Ashburton Ward as there was no suggestion that the dog posed a further immediate threat to the public.

“The team will be in contact with the man to establish what has happened.”

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