Trainee police dog attacks man

A police force is investigating itself after a Chorley man was attacked by a police dog-in-training.
Photo Neil Cross
Stock photo
Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard near ChorleyPhoto Neil Cross
Stock photo
Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard near Chorley
Photo Neil Cross Stock photo Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard near Chorley

Dominic Pemberton, 23, from Chorley, says he was injured by the Greater Manchester Police dog while going to the Best Western Park Hall Hotel in Charnock Richard to renew his gym membership.

The dog had been taking part in a training exercise on the former Camelot theme park last Friday when the incident happened.

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Mr Pemberton was initially held on suspicion of going equipped to steal before being de-arrested and taken for treatment.

He has complained that he was left for an hour before going to hospital, where he still remains, having undergone two operations.

GMP said it has referred the matter to its professional standards board, but the dog has been cleared to return to duty.

Chief Inspector Mark Dexter of GMP’s Specialist Operations branch said: “During the exercise, which involved searching an open area within the site, one of the police dogs unexpectedly detained a man next to the perimeter fence just outside the site.

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“The dog’s handler attended shortly after and brought the dog back under control before further enquiries were made at the scene and as a result the man was initially arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.

“He was de-arrested in order to receive hospital treatment and in line with standard policy the incident was referred to the GMP Professional Standards Branch.

“I know the images of the man’s injuries appear quite distressing and will understandably cause some concern but I would like to assure everyone that we are investigating this matter and will be looking to speak with the injured man as a matter of urgency to better understand what happened.”

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