A dog walker was shocked to discover a “malicious” pile of broken glass and dog treats designed to hurt unsuspecting pets.

Jamie Steed, 32, was walking his three-legged Jackabee - Jack Russell and Beagle cross – near his Chingford home in Epping Forest on Monday (June 27), when he came across a suspicious trail of dog biscuits.

The security manager entered the forest through an entrance off Hornbeam Grove and soon noticed the trail on the path running parallel to Whitehall Primary’s school field.

Following the path some more, Mr Steed found the trail finish by a big pile of dog biscuits with broken glass underneath.

Food tins cut up to form sharp edges were pushed into the ground to cause further damage.

Mr Steed said: “It’s being put there maliciously and spread around the entrances and along the footpaths.

“It’s disturbing seeing somebody going deliberately out of their way to do that.

“I keep my dog Billy on the lead so I can pull him away but so many dogs are off their lead around here.

“If they go running over to the biscuits it’s going to cut their paws to pieces.”

Mr Steed has noticed broken glass in the forest in the last couple of months but he said it has been “getting a lot worse in the past weeks and days”.

He added: “My dog stays on the lead at all times but he’s only got three legs.

“If he cuts one of his paws then he’s not going to be able to move at all.

“With the number of dog walkers and children using the forest, it'll only be a matter of time before a serious injury occurs, if it's not already happened.

“I’ve told other dog walkers I’ve met to be careful but someone needs to catch this person.”

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation, which manage Epping Forest, said they “condemn any threats to injure dogs or forest wildlife”.

They added: “Such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and can lead to prosecution and fines.

“Forest keepers will now increase patrols in the area to ensure it remains safe.”

People are urged to call the forest keepers’ 24 hour emergency line on 020 8508 1010 if you find any dangerous material.

If you have noticed similar booby traps in Epping Forest, contact reporter Joe Roberts on 07824 530127 or joe.roberts@london.newsquest.co.uk.