A drop-in session was held to help dog owners worried about attacks from dangerous dogs.

The Clapham Common Canine Crime Committee (5C) organised the session, which take place every eight weeks in Clapham Common, next to the bandstand, on Saturdays.

It was arranged following a spate of crimes involving thugs deliberately setting specially bred weapon dogs on other canines on the common.

Police Constable Jamie Drummond, a canine-crime officer, offered advice and encouraged park-users to report dog crime.

Veterinary surgeon David Cuffe was also on hand to give free health advice to dog owners, while dog-trainer Philip Gazzard taught people how to cope if their dog is attacked.

The committee is also campaigning for a clean-up of sex litter left on the common and for cyclists to be careful when riding near dogs.

Ali Zaffar, organiser of 5C, set up the group last summer after his mastiff Leo was deliberately set on by a weapon dog when he was a puppy.

He said: "Sadly dogs are not well looked after by the law - it is hard to make an arrest and seen as a civilian matter.

"It is very good my police colleagues come down with us and talk with dog owners.These people should be banned from owning dogs in the future."

Anyone who is a victim of a dog attack can contact PC Drummond on jamie.drummond@metpolice.co.uk or call 020872126263.

The next drop-in session will take place on May 5.