A WARNING has been issued after a person claiming to be a council officer tried to take a resident's dog away.

Copeland Council is calling for vigilance after a dog-owner was approached by someone claiming to be a council officer.

The resident was told by the fraudulent officer that their dog had bitten someone and would have to be take away.

However, despite reportedly showing council ID, they were not a Copeland Council Officer.

A spokesman said: "If we were investigating a dog complaint, we would contact the owner to investigate, not arrive unexpectedly to remove the dog. The owner was right to be cautious – they did not hand their dog over.

"If you are ever in the slightest doubt about the identity of a Copeland Council officer, please get in touch with us on 01946 598300, or at info@copeland.gov.uk.

"We will be able to verify the identity of any of our staff, and the purpose of their visit."