Police dog dies in Leicester after chasing wanted man

Police were called after being told that a man on Nottinghamshire Police’s wanted list may have been in their area, and they took a police dog with them. The suspect ran off before going into the water at Watermead Park in Birstall, north of Leicester.

The dog ran into the water after the man but “became unresponsive”, a police statement said. A vet later confirmed it was dead.

The man being chased was caught by officers and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He is still in police custody.

An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death. The investigation for the offence in which the man was wanted is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.

Detective Inspector Claire Hughes from Leicestershire Police said: “This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of one of our police dogs. Colleagues are supporting the dog’s handler at this understandably difficult time and our investigation to establish what happened is ongoing. We would like to speak to anyone who may have any information at all relating to this incident and has not as yet spoken to police to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact Leicestershire Police on 101 quoting incident 293 of 3 July or visit www.leics.police.uk