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Police deliberately mowed down and killed a dog that was running loose on the A55.

The foxhound was running into oncoming traffic on a stretch of the road between the Llanfairfechan roundabout and the Conwy tunnel in the early hours of Monday.

As the officers could not bring the animal under control they decided to run it down, killing it.

The North Wales Force was called out just after 3am in response to reports that the animal was running in and out of traffic.

One officer tried to reach out to the dog but was bitten and the animal escaped.

It ran into the middle of the unlit road forcing traffic, including a car and HGV to swerve to avoid it while officers were on foot on the carriageway.

A spokesman said the dog had “posed a serious threat to motorists” and the only safe option was to kill it.

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Chief Inspector Darren Wareing of the roads policing unit said: “The potential for a serious collision was present throughout and in the circumstances, there was no alternative way that officers could contain the dog and minimise the risks to motorists.

"The only safe option was to run the dog over at sufficient speed to ensure that it was destroyed and would not suffer. Other methods of destruction were considered but were ruled out on the grounds of public safety.

"Fast roads such as the A55 present inherent risks and to have vehicles including a HGV having to swerve in the dark was deemed unacceptable as the officers witnessed a number of near misses and were highly concerned about the potential aftermath of a high speed collision."

He added: "Both officers have their own dogs and did not take this decision lightly. Due to the seriousness of the incident it needed bringing to a conclusion quickly for the safety of all concerned."

The RSPCA has declined to comment.