A MAN was left bleeding and with a suspected broken ankle after a gang set its pit bull on him in West Hampstead. The 24-year-old victim had been at a party when three suspects entered the house at 8.30am on Sunday (July 26) and stole items believed to b

A MAN was left bleeding and with a suspected broken ankle after a gang set its pit bull on him in West Hampstead.

The 24-year-old victim had been at a party when three suspects entered the house at 8.30am on Sunday (July 26) and stole items believed to be a laptop and mobile phones.

He pursued them to try to retrieve the items and one of the suspects told him to follow and that he would take him to his friends where the property was being held.

They entered Templar House Estate in Shoot Up Hill where two other men were waiting. One had a pit-bull-type dog with him, which he set the on the victim.

A second thug hit the man on his head and back with a chain-linked dog lead. The other two repeatedly punched and kicked the victim in the head before they made off on the east side of the estate.

DS Sharon Freeman-Woods said: "This was a horrific attack on a man who has been left with some very severe injuries. I would urge anyone with any information at all to come forward."

When police arrived the victim was found bleeding heavily, and officers administered first aid. He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was treated for two head cuts that needed stitches, a suspected fracture of his right ankle, and multiple puncture wounds on his right foot.

Three men have since been arrested - two aged 24 and one aged 14. However, police are still appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Camden Police on 020-7404 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

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