A SUSPECTED car vandal punched and kicked a police dog as he was arrested by officers.

Force hound Finn was attacked as he helped officers detain the man in the early hours of Saturday.

Sussex Police had received reports of a man damaging the wing mirrors and windscreen wipers on 19 cars in the Northgate area of Crawley shortly before 4am.

Officers attended and searched the area, spotting the suspect on a bicycle 20 minutes later.

It is believed the bike was stolen.

They caught up with him in Ifield Avenue and attempted to arrest him, but he resisted attempts to detain him.

The Argus:

A struggle ensued in which the man lashed out at Finn, landing a series of punches and kicks on the dog.

But, after a brief fracas, the man was restrained and police made an arrest.

Chief inspector Shane Baker, district commander for Crawley and Mid-Sussex, said: "This was a really good combined effort by officers on duty, with the assistance of Finn, which resulted in a swift arrest."

Sussex Police said Finn did "not sustain physical injury" during the incident.

The Argus:

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, theft of the cycle and causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.

After being interviewed he was released under investigation while enquiries continue.