Login
RegisterNews Release
Police dogs assaulted
Dated: 11 Aug 2009
Police in Newcastle are hunting down men who attacked four of the force's police dogs.
It follows a disturbance in the city on Saturday night involving approximately 40 Sunderland fans returning from a friendly match in Scotland. The dogs were kicked and punched to the ground and then stamped on.
An investigation is now underway, using intelligence and CCTV information to trace offenders, have them prosecuted and pursue football banning orders against them.
The incident happened at around 8pm on Saturday night. A pre-planned police operation was in place to ensure Sunderland fans returning from a friendly match in Scotland were ushered safely from Central Station to the Metro Station to return home.
The operation aimed to keep the fans away from Newcastle fans in the area. However, a section of Sunderland supporters became violent and disorderly and lashed out at police officers and dogs.
The four dogs, Earl, Cleo and her two brothers Floyd and Diesel were battered and bruised after they were kicked by fans intent on violence and stamped on while on the floor.
Chief Superintendent Graham Smith, Newcastle Area Commander, said: "A section of around 40 fans set upon the officers and dogs, kicking and punching them, and causing injuries to the dogs.
"We will not tolerate an assault on any of our officers or our dogs, and this behaviour was totally unacceptable. The fans arrived at the station intent on violence and our dogs have never faced that level of assault before.
"Thankfully, although shocked, battered and bruised none of them have been seriously injured and all are now at home recovering. It's only through luck that none of them were seriously injured.
"An investigation is underway to trace these people and have them brought to task for their actions. There is no room for people such as this amongst the law-abiding football fans who go week in and week out to support their team.
"Therefore we'll also be progressing football banning orders against these violent individuals to ensure they don't spoil future games for the true supporters."
During the disturbance three Sunderland fans out of the group received hospital treatment. Their injuries are not thought to be serious.
One arrest was made for drunk and disorderly.
Chief Supt Smith added: "We are well aware that the majority of football fans do not behave in this way. Law-abiding fans can rest assured we're doing all we can to track down these particular individuals as soon as possible."
British Transport Police are assisting with the investigation and as a matter of course, the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Anyone with information about those involved in the disorder is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Photo shows PC Julie Neve with dog Cleo
