A cyclist was knocked down by frightened deer being chased by a dog in Richmond Park, police have said.

The incident has sparked new warnings from the Royal Parks Police to dog owners to make sure their pets are kept under control.

In a post on Twitter, the police force wrote: "Yesterday it was reported to us that a dog was seen to chase a herd of deer in Richmond Park. The herd was chased across the road where one deer crashed into a cyclist, knocking him to the ground.

"Please keep your dogs under control – Richmond Park and Bushy Park are deer parks."

Richmond Park's Manager Simon Richards told Nub News: "We were not alerted to this incident, but we hope the cyclist is doing ok and was not badly injured by this collision.

"This type of incident illustrates why it's so crucial that dogs are kept under control when being walked in Richmond and Bushy Parks.

"It is illegal for a dog to chase a deer in Richmond Park or Bushy Park and if owners are in any doubt of their temperament of their dog, they must keep them on a lead."

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