A REGULATOR has said North Wales Police should carry out its own investigation into an incident involving officers deliberately running over a dog on the A55.

Following a high level of public concern over the incident on Monday, February 22 - which saw officers deliberately run over a dog having made several unsuccessful attempts to capture it - North Wales Police confirmed that the incident was voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

But in a statement issued yesterday, February 25, IPCC Commissioner Jan Williams said: "We recognise the public concern arising from the incident where a dog was destroyed on the A55 earlier this week.

"After careful consideration of a referral from North Wales Police, we have determined that the force should continue with its own investigation.

"I have been reassured by the deputy chief constable at North Wales Police that the matter is being treated very seriously.

"The investigation is to be conducted with the input of an expert review group including representatives from the RSPCA, the veterinary profession, and a roads policing specialist from a separate police force.

"I have requested regular updates from the deputy chief constable on the progress of the investigation.”

On Wednesday evening (February 24) North Wales Police said they had been in touch with the dog's owner.

Chief Superintendent Sacha Hatchett said: “The owner, who is from outside the North Wales area and who does not want to be named,  is devastated at the news, but understands that officers had a very difficult decision to make at the time.

“He said he appreciates that given the risk to human life, the officers made the correct decision."