Police marksmen have shot a dog which attacked at least four people, including a toddler, in Mitcham.

Witnesses said the child, aged 20 months, was dragged through South Lodge Avenue by a pit bull terrier.

The dog, called Asbo, is believed to have escaped from the yard where it is kept.

The animal grabbed the toddler as she was held in her terrified mum's arms.

Nearby bus drivers, sheltering in a van at the end of a route, rushed to the tot's rescue.

One was bitten before the group managed to drive the dog away.

The drivers, the mum and the toddler were then forced to take refuge in the van when the dog came back.

Nearby residents then used metal poles and hammers to drive the dog away.

One driver attempted to run the pit bull over with his pickup truck.

Police said a 50-year-old woman received facial injuries while a 24-year-old man was also attacked.

A fourth victim received minor hand injuries.

Emergency services were called at 11.22am, with police officers from Merton and Croydon rushing to the area.

A worker at one of the schools reported police marksmen hunting for the dog.

A helicopter has since left but ambulance and police vehicles remain in Carisbrooke Road.

Sherwood School and William Morris School were contacted by police at 11.45am and advised to keep their children inside.

London Ambulance Service confirmed that three people had been taken to hospital.

A police spokeswoman said the dog was shot and killed by the police Trojan Unit at 1.23pm.

A 29-year-old woman from Mitcham was arrested for having a dog dangerously out of control.

She has been taken to a south London police station for questioning.

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