Staffordshire bull terrier put to sleep after allegedly being thrown off Wigan shopping centre car park

Shoppers watched in horror as the dog fell from The Galleries Shopping Centre car park, in Wigan, into the open air market at around 1.30pm today.

The pet then hit a woman who has been taken to Wigan Infirmary by ambulance with minor injuries.

There are rumours on social media that the dog was thrown off from the top of the car park and that it landed on a woman police vet.

Simon Tucker, centre manager, said: "We were made aware that a dog had fallen off the car park area into the open air market.

"This is adjacent to the entrance of the Leigh Arcade.

"The dog hit a lady who has been taken to Wigan Infirmary by ambulance with minor injuries.

"The dog was taken away by the RSPCA but has sadly had to be put down.

"We wish the lady a speedy recovery in hospital."

A Wigan Council spokesman said: “We are aware of a serious incident at The Galleries today and are supporting staff and Greater Manchester Police with their investigations.”

A police statement read: A dog - believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier - fell from a car park at the Galleries on Market Square in Wigan. The dog was taken away by vets for assessment and was later put to sleep.

A 79-year-old woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

No arrests have been made.