Police officer bitten by dog in Selden Road, Worthing

Both were taken to hospital and the dog was Tasered to stop it attacking the pair.

The constables, a man and a woman, were visiting a house on "routine enquiries" when they were set upon.

The dog sank its teeth into both officers as the owner repeatedly struck them.

Officers zapped the "Staffie-type" dog with a Taser as they attempted to restrain it.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The dog was Tasered in order to help ensure its safe restraint and it is not reported to have suffered any ill-effects.

"It was taken away by other officers and is now in secure kennels while enquiries continue."

Both officers were then taken to Worthing Hospital to be treated for their injuries.

Fellow officers responded quickly to the incident, which happened at 9.30am in Selden Road, Worthing, and the road quickly filled with police cars, officers and a "riot van".

A 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault on police and of causing grievous bodily harm and is in custody for interview and further enquiries.

District Commander, chief inspector Sarah Leadbetter, said: "This was a nasty attack on two officers who were going about their normal duties.

"In order to ensure the officers and wider community remained safe the dog needed to be restrained with the help of a taser."

At the time Sussex Police said an officer had been accompanying a social worker who had been visiting a house in the road "in relation to the welfare of a woman living there".

DC Leadbetter said: "We are keen to hear from witnesses, so if you can help please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 290 of 30/10."