A dog had to be put down by armed police after it bit two people and attacked another dog on the outskirts of Ipswich. 

Police were called to the incident at about 7.20pm on Tuesday on the shoreline near Orwell Country Park to a number of reports that a dog was out of control, had bitten two people and attacked another dog. 

A number of police units were dispatched to the location, including a dog handler.

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On arrival, officers found the dog to be unstable and in extreme distress and were not able to bring it safely under control. 

Members of the public who were present in the area were moved away and out of sight of the dog before it was put down.   

Chief Superintendent Alice Scott said: “We understand that this was a highly emotive incident for all those involved – not just those who were attacked and the dog’s owners, but also our officers.

“This was not an action that was taken lightly but was deemed necessary to protect anyone else from being harmed and to prevent further suffering of the dog. Two members of the public have been taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries. The other dog involved also sustained injuries.

“Officers will be conducting additional patrols in the area and members of the public with any concerns about this incident are encouraged to speak to them.”

Anyone with any information is being asked to contact Suffolk police on 101 quoting the CAD 350 of July 11.