The police in Richmond Park are appealing for information about a dog attack which caused serious injuries to a fallow deer, which has had to be put down.

The Royal Parks police said the attack happened at about 7.10pm on Tuesday near to the Leg of Mutton Pond.

The dog is described as a Belgian/German Shepherd cross, about 25kg, lean body condition, short sandy coat, and wearing a black harness.

The police said: "After the Gamekeeper searched for an hour, the deer was located in long grass unable to move due to her injuries, and had to be put down.

"We are appealing for the owner to contact us [email protected]"

The Royal Parks had a ban on allowing dogs off leads in the park from May through to early August in order to protect deer during the birthing season.

There are around 100 cases reported evert year of dogs chasing deer resulting in a number of deaths.

The Park authorities have repeatedly raised concerns that both dog owners and other visitors to the park are getting too close to what are wild animals. As a result, both the deer and visitors are at risk.