A police dog was hit by a car as it chased down a burglary suspect.

The German Shepherd police dog was on duty during a suspected burglary on Malden Road, Cheam, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

During a search of the property, 18-month-old Chester picked up the scent of a suspect which led him into a road.

Unfortunately, as the dog went into the road it was hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Chester was taken to a veterinary surgery in Wimbledon where he was X-rayed before being returned to his handler.

A spokesman for the Dog Unit, based at Merton, said Chester was battered and bruised but fortunately did not sustain any permanent damage.

Police are yet to find the suspect and are appealing for witnesses.

If residents saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Malden Road in the early hours of Saturday morning to contact Sutton Police station on 101.