A MAN was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a puppy in St Helens.

Police received a report of animal cruelty after a man had been seen "hurting" a puppy on Duke Street, St Helens on Saturday afternoon, June 3.

Officers attended and a 39-year-old suspect was arrested.

The puppy was taken to a vets and remains in police care, a spokeswoman said.

READ > Boy, 11, injured in 'hit and run' as he rode bike

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "A St Helens man was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a puppy on Saturday, June 3.

"Just before 3pm it was reported that a man was seen hurting a puppy on Duke Street.

"Officers attended and detained the suspect, and the puppy taken to the vets to get checked over and remains in police care.

"A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

"He has been released on bail pending further inquiries."