POLICE were called to Alexandra Park, Wood Green, on Saturday to capture a vicious rampaging dog.

The mutt, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was roaming about in the park at about 11.30am without its owner, who still has not been traced.

It was spotted attacking a greyhound whippet-cross called Archie, causing a number of serious injuries.

Members of the public fought to pull the dog away and they, along with police officers, were able to pin it down using planks of wood until the police dog unit arrived.

The fierce creature was taken to Battersea Dogs Home under the Dangerous Dogs Act, where it is likely to be destroyed.

Injured Archie was taken to the Zasman Veterinary Clinic in Muswell Hill, where he was treated for his extensive injuries.

Rodney Zasman, the owner of the practice, said that Archie was very badly wounded, and that it was "touch and go" whether he would survive the ordeal.

Archie had bite marks on his neck, face, legs, chest and back. He was also in shock after losing a large amount of blood. He had to be put on a plasma drip for a few days and was anaesthetised as his wounds were stitched.

Mr Zasman said: "There was another dog that had been attacked that was brought in recently, but that was not nearly as bad as this.

"This was probably the worst I have seen in years."

He added that the government should introduce micro-chipping of dogs to make it easier to identify dogs and their owners, and to monitor where dogs are going as it becomes easier for them to move freely between England and the Continent.

Archie is now well on the road to recovery and should be completely well in three to four weeks.