A DOG owner has been issued with a formal warning after their pet escaped and "attacked" two other dogs.

Police said that a number of incidents have been reported to them about dog attacks in Little Lever in recent weeks.

Officers referred to two incidents whereby a dog had escaped and attacked two other dogs; the first came away unscathed and the second was left with minor injuries, police said.

Little Lever neighbourhood officers have been working alongside the Dog Control Enforcement Unit to take action.

Greater Manchester Police's Bolton North team posted on social media today: "Little Lever Neighbourhood officers worked with the Dog Control Enforcement Unit yesterday following a number of reported incidents in the last few weeks in relation to a dog getting out on two occasions and attacking another dog.

"Fortunately the first dog was not injured and the second only sustained minor injuries.

"The owner is engaging with the police and dog warden, and has been issued with a formal warning letter."

Police, councils and other authorities can take action against dangerous or banned dogs.

If a dog is causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance or harm, a community protection notice, civil injunction, or criminal behaviour order may be issued.

Police can also educate dog owners or give warnings to offenders.

Councils can issue public spaces protection orders, which restrict what dogs can do in a public space, such as banning them from a given area or requiring them to be on leads.