Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

An Auckland man has been arrested after he allegedly drove a stolen car with fake number plates and tried to attack a police dog with a garden trowel.

Police said the man fled after officers saw a vehicle driving on Motatau Road, Papatoetoe, with a fake rear number plate and no front number plate.

Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said they confirmed the car was stolen and stopped the vehicle shortly afterwards.

“Three occupants were quickly arrested, however a fourth occupant fled on foot,” Albrey said.

“Delta, the police dog unit, tracked the individual to a residential property where he allegedly attempted to attack the dog with a garden trowel, resulting in the bite on the arm.

A 26-year-old man will appear in Manukau Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle.

“Fortunately, the dog was not injured and we are pleased to have made an arrest on this matter,” Albrey said.