27/06/2013

10-Year-Old Boy Bitten By Police Dog

Police have launched an investigation after a boy was accidentally bitten by a police dog in his back garden.

Officers were called to Western Road in Oldbury after a report of four men stealing copper wiring near to the train station.

They were seen running away from the area and the copper wiring was found on a pathway nearby.

A dog handler and his dog, a German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois cross, were called to assist with a search for the suspects.

During the searches the dog, which was on a leash at the time, entered a private garden in Oldbury.

A 10-year-old boy, who was in the garden at the time, was bitten by the dog.

He received serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he continues to be treated.

West Midlands Police will carry out its own investigation and the IPCC has been informed.

Chief Inspector Ian Marsh said: "This poor young boy has gone through an absolutely horrendous ordeal and my thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers from his injuries.

"We apologise unreservedly for what has happened and have launched an investigation to fully understand exactly how an innocent young lad came to be bitten by a police dog in the safety of his own back garden.

"Police dogs and their handlers receive intensive training and play crucial roles in the arrest of suspects day in day out, but on the very rare occasions where things go wrong, it's vital we understand why and learn the lessons to ensure it doesn't happen again."

(CD/JP)

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