FOUR dangerous dogs have been seized in Kirklees.

DNA and other tests have been carried out on the dogs and police confirmed this morning they are believed to be pit bull terriers.

The operation to tackle problem dogs in the area was carried out this weekend after a tip-off.

West Yorkshire Police and officers from the RSPCA carried out two search warrants on Saturday.

The searches were carried out under the Dangerous Dogs Act at addresses in Liversedge and Heckmondwike.

Four dogs were seized and are now with the police.

Two men aged 27 and 37 have been reported for summons for offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act and will appear in court at a date to be fixed.

The move follows a nationwide outcry over dangerous dogs after five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death by a pit bull-type dog on Merseyside over the new year.

Chief Supt Barry South, Divisional Commander for Kirklees, said: "This operation demonstrates our commitment to tackling problem dogs within the community.

"Where we have the information that people are keeping or breeding dogs that are illegal we will take positive action and act on this information immediately," he added.

Anyone who may have concerns on this matter should phone the police or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

Detectives investigating the fatal mauling of Ellie have seized cash from the scene of the tragedy.

Ellie was savaged by a dog while staying at her grandmother's home in St Helens on New Year's Day. The dog belonged to her uncle, Kiel Simpson, 23, who has a conviction for drug dealing.

Merseyside Police officers spent days combing the property in Knowles House Avenue for clues about the tragedy.

The force has confirmed that the officers also seized cash and unspecified items - thought to be drugs - from the house.

A spokeswoman said: "An amount of cash has been seized from the house, along with a number of items which will be subject to forensic examinations."