THIS is the moment a violent abuser was caught by police and a dog following a dramatic chase through a river. Luke Seffens was wanted by cops over a twisted abuse campaign against his partner. The 34-year-old smashed a mug over his girlfriend's head and threatened to stab and strangle her. Footage shows police dog Elsa tracking down Seffens to a wooded area near Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Officers could be seen leaping over fallen trees and wading through a river during the pursuit.

One could be heard yelling "Hey you - stay where you are!" as the net closes in on Seffens. He then instructs Elsa to "hold him" as the topless thug is tackled to the ground. After he was handcuffed, Seffens begs the officer: "Don't let it bite me, please". He has now been jailed for four years and nine months after he admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, controlling or coercive behaviour, escape from lawful custody and criminal damage.

The court was told Seffens beat his girlfriend in a horror attack and threatened to knife her. Between September and December 2023, he controlled the woman and made her take photos to prove where she was. Seffens, who also followed her to her workplace, was arrested before being released on the condition he did not contact his partner. But he continued to breach that order - causing police to swoop on the thug in the centre of Tunbridge Wells ready to arrest him again.

But Seffens ran away from officers - leading to the hunt through the river. Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:. If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk. Women’s Aid provides a live chat service - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.

You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Detective Constable Max Jordan said: “Seffens abused, isolated and tormented his victim during the vast majority of their relationship. “He used fear, violence and intimidation to exert control over almost every aspect of her life and his actions have caused immeasurable fear and distress. “The victim has shown incredible courage and strength to give evidence and I hope this sentence will afford them the time and space needed to help break away from Seffen’s control and allow her to move on with her life.