Man In Court After Officers Mauled By Dog

A 25-year-old man has appeared in court charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act after five police officers were mauled during a raid in east London.

Symieon Robinson Pierre faces four charges including possession of a pitbull dog and that he allowed the animal to be "dangerously out of control" outside his home in Newham on Thursday.

He is also accused of kidnapping and GBH with intent, relating to an incident on March 14 in Newham.

Pierre did not enter a plea and walked out of the dock at Thames Magistrates Court before District Judge William Ashworth had finished speaking.

Theresa Gerald, defending, said her client lived with his mother and younger brother at the Albert Square address.

She added he worked as a "music artist" who undertakes events in schools and youth centres to promote positive behaviour among young people.

Pierre was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the same court on March 30 and Inner London Crown Court on May 18.

All five officers injured in the incident on Thursday needed treatment for leg and hand wounds. Three remain in hospital in a stable condition.

The court was told at least two of the men needed skin grafts and plastic surgery.

Firearms officers and the dog squad were called in to contain the animal, which was shot dead in the incident.

Police had been at the address as part of an operation that saw hundreds of officers carrying out searches across London for wanted people or those who had failed to appear at court.