IPCC Informed Of Incident On June 23rd

By Rob Dixon

West Midlands Police has confirmed they are carrying out an investigation after one of its police dogs attacked a 10-year-old boy in a back garden in Oldbury.

Officers were responding to reports of four men stealing copper wiring in the area and a dog handler with a German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois cross were called to assist with the search on Sunday (June 23rd). However, during the searches the dog entered a private garden where it bit the child.

The youngster was seriously injured and is continuing to be treated in hospital, while the force have informed the IPCC of the incident. West Midlands Police chief inspector Ian Marsh said the force apologised “unreservedly” for what had happened.

The incident is the latest in a string of dog attacks to be reported in the media in recent months, including an incident on Friday 21st June June, when a 14-year-old needed stitches after being bitten.

Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury lawyers, who specialise in helping victims of dog attacks to gain justice over the injuries they have sustained in such incidents, said this latest case was another example for the need for action on this issue.

David Urpeth, a Partner and specialist in dog bite claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The number of dog attacks being reported across the UK in the past couple of years has simply been unacceptable and it is hugely worrying to see this case emerge involving a police dog.

“This fact clearly marks this incident out from others seen in recent months, but the need for a full investigation into how and why it occurred is still absolutely vital. The family of the youngster involved will undoubtedly want answers and reassurances that the problems this boy has faced will not be repeated in the future.

“The seriousness of these attacks cannot be overstated, as we have seen numerous cases when victims have suffered serious physical and psychological harm after being bitten or attacked.

“The circumstances of the attack will need to be thoroughly assessed to ensure that everything possible can be done to improve safety and prevent this from happening again.”

If you or a loved one has suffered unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution or injuries caused by police, contact Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or visit our Claims Against the Police page for more information.