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| German Shepherd ... lad went through 'horrendous ordeal' |
The German Shepherd cross - which was on a lead - attacked the 10-year-old lad while on the trail of copper thieves.
Martin Cutbill, whose son Tom suffered serious bite wounds to his right leg while playing in his grandmother’s garden, said he was “disgusted” at the incident.
Officers had been called to Oldbury, West Mids, after they received reports of four men stealing copper wire at a nearby train station, on Sunday afternoon.
But as the men fled the scene, officers gave chase, and one dog and handler entered a private garden - before the dog attacked the young boy.
Speaking at the family’s home in, Mr Cutbill, 40, said he was “completely and utterly shocked and amazed” at what had happened to his son.
Asked how Tom was recovering after his ordeal, his father told reporters: “He is only recently out of hospital - he’s only starting to take his first steps on crutches.
“There were quite a few puncture wounds and tears to the skin. He’s had two operations, one to clean up the wounds to stop the risk of infection and the next one to seal the wounds.”
Mr Cutbill, who works as a warehouse manger, added: “We have not really had much contact with the police yet and will be speaking to them tomorrow.”
And Tom's devastated grandma, Bev Bakewell, 52, said: “It was like a horror movie.
"Tom was playing in my back garden, fixing his scooter in my shed.
“My son came in through the back door and then suddenly we heard screaming.
“I thought it was just children playing, but when I looked out the window there was a policeman out there with this great big dog - the dog had hold of Tom’s leg.
“No-one can sleep, I don’t think Tom will be able to play in my garden again.
“His mum and dad are just devastated.”
West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the incident - although the dog and handler are both continuing to work while it is ongoing.
The wiring was found on a nearby pathway.
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 we 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.”
Following an independent assessment the dog handler and dog continue to carry out regular duties.
Source: The Sun
Martin Cutbill, whose son Tom suffered serious bite wounds to his right leg while playing in his grandmother’s garden, said he was “disgusted” at the incident.
Officers had been called to Oldbury, West Mids, after they received reports of four men stealing copper wire at a nearby train station, on Sunday afternoon.
But as the men fled the scene, officers gave chase, and one dog and handler entered a private garden - before the dog attacked the young boy.
Speaking at the family’s home in, Mr Cutbill, 40, said he was “completely and utterly shocked and amazed” at what had happened to his son.
Asked how Tom was recovering after his ordeal, his father told reporters: “He is only recently out of hospital - he’s only starting to take his first steps on crutches.
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| Garden ... scene of attack |
NTI
Mr Cutbill, who works as a warehouse manger, added: “We have not really had much contact with the police yet and will be speaking to them tomorrow.”
And Tom's devastated grandma, Bev Bakewell, 52, said: “It was like a horror movie.
"Tom was playing in my back garden, fixing his scooter in my shed.
“My son came in through the back door and then suddenly we heard screaming.
“I thought it was just children playing, but when I looked out the window there was a policeman out there with this great big dog - the dog had hold of Tom’s leg.
“No-one can sleep, I don’t think Tom will be able to play in my garden again.
“His mum and dad are just devastated.”
West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the incident - although the dog and handler are both continuing to work while it is ongoing.
The wiring was found on a nearby pathway.
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 we 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.”
Following an independent assessment the dog handler and dog continue to carry out regular duties.
Source: The Sun
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