Police Swoop On Suspected Dog-Fighting Ring

Police arrested nine people and seized six dangerous dogs in a crackdown on Thursday on a suspected dog-fighting ring in northern England.

Officers, together with members of the RSPCA Specialist Operations Unit, said they had carried out coordinated raids on seven properties in Accrington, Lancashire.

Those arrested are in police custody awaiting questioning while the dogs have been taken into RSPCA kennels.

"Dog-fighting is an abhorrent, cruel activity that was banned in this country over 150 years ago, but still continues today," said RSPCA Chief Inspector Mike Butcher.

Police said dog-fighting was not widespread but an "isolated and localised issue".

The issue of dangerous dogs gained prominence this year when five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier at the family's home in Liverpool on New Year's Day.

Her uncle was jailed in May after admitting charges of possessing a dog banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

After Lawrenson's death, officers in the city carried out a series of raids in which dozens of dangerous dogs were seized.