A DOG was reportedly stabbed on a canal boat in Chester sparking an armed police response.

Firearms officers were called to the Frodsham Court area, close to Iceland supermarket, just after 8pm on Sunday (July 15) as there was concern the animal could pose a risk to the public.

A city man aged 33 was arrested at the scene and is currently in police custody.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 8.06pm on Sunday 15 July police received a report that a dog had been stabbed on a canal boat near to Frodsham Court, Chester.

"Armed officers were deployed to the scene because of a concern that the dog was aggressive and of a perceived risk to the public.

"A 33-year-old man from Chester was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and is currently in police custody. The dog was handed into the care of a vet."

However, the RSPCA has confirmed that no stabbing had taken place.

A spokesman said: "We were called to assist Cheshire police in the Frodsham Court area of Chester last night (Sunday) at about 8pm after reports that a dog had been stabbed.

"It soon became apparent that the dog was actually suffering from an abscess on the head and he was taken to a local veterinary surgery for treatment where he was today said to be recovering well.

"The matter is now in the hands of Cheshire police and we are unable to comment further."