A police dog just a week into the job caught two men later arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman.

At around 11pm on May 3 Pc Ross Ashcroft and PD Baloo were called to Howard Close in Waltham Abbey after receiving reports a woman had been assaulted by a group of men.

There they found four men in a nearby alleyway, who fled when they saw the pair.

PD Baloo gave chase, catching one of the men and detaining him for Pc Ashcroft to make the arrest.

The fledgling police pooch was then sent on a search and alerted his handler to another of the men, who was hiding underneath a nearby vehicle.

Pc Ross Ashcroft said: “I’m really proud of Baloo.

"Without her, the men we wanted to speak to could have gotten away from us.

"It’s a great feeling knowing that she was instrumental in these two arrests, and hopefully it’s the start of many more to come.”

Three men were arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and have been released under investigation.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call 101 and ask for Loughton Local Policing Team.

The reference number for this incident is 1436 of 08/05.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org