A STRAY dog terrorising residents in Pringle Street, Blackburn, has managed to repeatedly outsmart the council dog warden.

Residents are convinced it is only a matter of time before the black mongrel bites a child, as it has a habit of snapping at people's heels.

But day after day the little stray has avoided being captured by Blackburn with Darwen Council dog wardens.

The dog is thin, has a white crest on his chest, and has been living rough in the area for several weeks.

Resident Audrey Zarif said it was causing havoc among local people.

"It runs after them, barking and snapping at their heels. It is the children I am most worried about. The council is not doing enough to catch it."

However, the council hit back, saying the wardens had been trying for weeks to capture it without success.

The dog is 'streetwise' and makes a run for it after spotting the wardens and their vans. The wardens want to capture it so it can be found a new home.

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for the council's housing and neighbourhood services, said: "The dog warden is aware that there is a collie/lurcher type dog living wild in the Queen's Park area.

"All efforts made to capture the animal have been unsuccessful as it now recognises the dog wardens and their vehicles, which makes the task more difficult.

"The warden visits at least once a day. Once the animal has been caught we will try to rehome it outside the area."