A man has been released under investigation pending further enquiries after a dog was reportedly poisoned when it ate a piece of meat left in Battersea Park.

The 52-year-old was detained on suspicion of criminal damage after police were called at around 5.15pm on Monday, February 5 to reports of a man attempting to poison dogs.

A Met Police spokesman said enquiries are continuing.

It comes after dog walkers were warned to keep their pets safe following the incident.

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said: “We are aware of these reports and our parks police officers are liaising closely with their colleagues in the Met Police to investigate these allegations.

“If true they would constitute a serious criminal offence and we would want the perpetrator to be caught, brought before the courts and sentenced appropriately.

“We are therefore treating these reports seriously but as of yet we have uncovered absolutely no evidence to support the allegations.

“Our parks police have stepped up patrols in the park to provide extra reassurance to dog walkers and other members of the public and we are keen to hear from people if they have witnessed any suspicious activity.

“If anyone has evidence to support these allegations we would urge them to come forward as a matter of urgency so we can establish if there is any truth to these claims.”