Police dog dies responding to incident at Watermead Park

Officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall yesterday (Wednesday 3 July) following a report that a man, who was wanted by Nottinghamshire Police, may have been in the area.

The police dog was deployed to assist with the search.

The suspect entered the water in Watermead Park.

Leicestershire Police said: "The police dog became unresponsive after it also entered the water and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed they had sadly died.

"Following a continued search of the surrounding area, the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was located in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal."

He has since been bailed by Leicestershire Police in relation to the incident involving the police dog but remains in custody with Nottinghamshire Police as part of their investigation.

Detective Inspector Claire Hughes 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.”

An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

The investigation for the offence in which the man was wanted is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting incident 293 of 3 July or  online at www.leics.police.uk