A dog owner who failed to scoop up his pet's mess after it fouled near two police officers has been fined.

The 35-year-old man was walking his Staffordshire puppy along Mollison Drive on the Roundshaw estate when he stopped on a grass verge on Thursday June 10 at 11am Sutton’s Safer Parks Team Sergeants Mark Dolice and Graham Elrick were patrolling nearby.

Sergeant Dolice said: “The man’s dog did his business right in front of us and the owner failed to pick up the mess.

“The man said he didn’t have a bag with him.”

The man was issued with a £50 on the spot fine.

Sgt Dolice said the area was where children played and the man’s behaviour indicated he had no intention of picking up the mess.

Sutton Council’s executive member for environment and climate change, Councillor Colin Hall, said: “It is irresponsible and illegal for dog owners to let their pets foul their local area.

“Not only is it offensive, it is also dangerous for children if they come into contact with it.

“The minority who think it is OK to let their animals foul our parks and pavements should know they can be fined, and if they fail to pay, may be brought before the courts.”