WARNING: This story contains a video which readers may find distressing

Police have finally seized a dog in Dagenham, after Newsquest ran two front page stories questioning their inaction.

The Metropolitan Police Service has removed a dog from its owner after shocking CCTV captured a bully breed being hit and throttled.

However, the suspected owner has not been arrested.

Dagenham man Colin Aylward called police on May 23 after his home CCTV in Chittys Lane captured a man appearing to whip an XL Bully with its leash, hit it, then twice lift it up by its throat.

But more than a month later, the Barking and Dagenham Post reported that police had still not called or visited Colin to take a statement or collect his video footage.

An expert dog trainer told the Post that the inaction was “crazy”, as such treatment would likely cause the dog to become aggressive.

“This is exactly the sort of thing that can cause aggression,” said Sarah Easterbrook. “It’s just absolutely awful. It shouldn’t be happening to any dog anywhere.”

Colin said of the police: “If that dog was to get angry and attack someone – because the man had it off the lead, unmuzzled – then blood would be on their (police's) hands.”

In our first story, the Met claimed it would soon visit Colin to progress the case.

But almost a month later, they had still not shown up.

However, the force finally confirmed this week that it had taken action.

“Police were called at approximately 2.30pm on Thursday, May 23, by a man reporting a dog, described as an XL Bully, being mistreated in the vicinity of Manor Square, Dagenham,” a spokesperson said.

“On Wednesday, July 24, a warrant was executed at an address in Manor Square and a dog was seized and taken to police kennels.

“A man, aged in his 40s, was interviewed under caution. No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.”

The dog owner has also been issued with an anti-social behaviour warning.

An evidential review is underway into whether a criminal prosecution should be brought.