Police dog attacked with brick and six officers injured in ‘abhorrent’ violence

A police dog was struck with a brick and six officers were injured during violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent over the weekend.

Staffordshire Police dog Vixen was left with a gash above her right eye after she was attacked with a brick and is recovering at home after receiving medical treatment, the force said.

Six officers were also assaulted during the incidents across both areas at the weekend, although none of their injuries were serious.

One man has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker after an officer was assaulted in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.

Police are urging anyone with video footage of the assault on Vixen to come forward with information.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison condemned the violence seen over the weekend, saying: “Our officers faced mindless violence and showed exceptional bravery.

“It is unacceptable that those trying to keep the public safe are attacked so violently.

“This disregard for the local community and public property also resulted in seven police cars being damaged, likely costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds to fix.

“Police dogs are considered just as important as their human counterparts and so we are launching a full investigation to identify who assaulted a valued police dog.

The violence seen in Tamworth has been abhorrent, with two other police dogs injured too, and I know members of the public will be disgusted that a beautiful animal like Vixen has been harmed whilst trying to keep people safe

“We believe there is footage of the incident circulating on social media, so if anyone can share the footage or help us identify those involved, we can seek justice for our canine colleague.

“The violence seen in Tamworth has been abhorrent, with two other police dogs injured too, and I know members of the public will be disgusted that a beautiful animal like Vixen has been harmed whilst trying to keep people safe.

“Police forces across the country all have the same message for the individuals involved in these incidents: you are being pursued and we are working around the clock to find you.”

Anyone with information about the assaults on officers or police dogs over the weekend, or who has access to any footage or images of the incident, can share them using the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers.