A burglary suspect who was chased down and caught by a police dog after fleeing the scene is reportedly threatening to sue the Metropolitan police force after the dog bit part of his ear off.

Leon Reid, aged 31, was arrested for burglary after several reports were made to police in New Cross, South East London for burglary, on the night of Saturday 8 August.

Reid had been tracked by helicopter using infra-red cameras and chased for around two-and-a-half hours. He was eventually caught in the grounds of Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College by police on the ground. He still gave chase and was eventually caught by one of the forces German Shepherds.

The dog ripped part of Reid’s ear off when he pounced on him and Reid was taken to hospital after he was arrested, where doctors managed to reattach it.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Lewisham police were called at 8:11pm last Saturday to Jerningham Road in New Cross to reports of a man acting suspiciously in a nearby garden. Officers from the air support unit kept track of the suspect as police with dogs pursued him. The man was eventually detained on Pepys Road. At this point he received injuries and was taken by ambulance to hospital where he received surgery to his ear.” Reid’s rucksack was also found nearby containing suspected stolen property.

Reid, who is unemployed, would be entitled to legal aid if he does pursue a claim against the force and could be entitled to up to £50,000 in compensation.

He appeared at Greenwich Magistrates Court charged with burglary yesterday with a large bandage covering his right ear. When asked if he could hear properly across the dock he replied “just about”.

He was remanded in custody until 20 August.

A spokesman for Lewisham police said: “We have not yet been notified of any legal complaint made by Reid. We can confirm he sustained injuries from a police dog and received surgery. Until the legal proceedings against Mr Reid are resolved he can’t make a complaint.”