A deer has had to be put down at a local park following a dog attack, the Royal Parks police confirmed tonight (wed).

The police confirmed they attended a dog attack on a deer on April 30th which "unfortunately" had to be put down, the police said.

The un-named owner of the dog has since been served with a notice banning the dog from both Bushy Park and Richmond Park and ordered to keep the dog on a lead at all times whilst in public.

A Royal Parks spokesperson said: "Recently, our Wildlife Officer was alerted by members of the public to a dog chasing a deer in Richmond Park.

"Unfortunately, this chase resulted in a female deer receiving extensive injuries. We had no choice but to end the deer's suffering by putting it down.

"The police have now banned this dog from Bushy and Richmond Parks, and ordered the dog to be on a lead at all times in public."

Dog-owners have been ordered to keep dogs on leads in the local parks to ensure social distancing can be maintained in the local parks during the COVID-19 crisis.

Warning signs have been mounted on the gates to reinforce the order.

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The Royal Parks website states: "Please practice social distancing within the Royal Parks to ensure that they remain open for all.

"Remain at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart from others with no gatherings of more than 2 people outside your immediate household at any time.

"There should be no groups of people cycling, walking or jogging, no group picnics and no sitting on a bench next to someone outside your household.

"We strongly advise dogs on leads at this time to support government social distancing guidelines.

"We would like to say a huge 'Thank You' to everyone who is following these rules."

Royal Parks Policing