Brave police dog died 'during battle in water with attempted murder suspect'

A brave police dog died after grappling with an attempted murder suspect in wetlands in a country park, police have said.

Tributes have been paid to Police Dog Zyla by the force, with Chief Constable Rob Nixon describing how she “will always be remembered for her bravery and service”.

Welfare support is also being provided by the force to PD Zyla’s handler and to officers and staff across force.

Mr Nixon said: “Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations.

“Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service. I know many across force are deeply saddened by the loss of PD Zyla and I share in this sorrow.

"My thoughts remain with Zyla’s handler and all those who have been impacted. We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in force who have been affected.

“Yesterday's events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident. Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for your kind messages which we have received, including the messages of support for PD Zyla’s handler. This is truly appreciated by us all.”

As a mark of respect, the force flag is currently being flown at half mast at force headquarters. This mark of respect is carried out by the force when an officer or member of staff has died while in the line of duty.

A remembrance event will also be arranged in force for PD Zyla.

Mr Nixon will also be wearing a silver band with Zyla’s name on it while undertaking the Police Unity tour later this month. The Police Unity tour is held every year and is in honour of those officers who have died in the line of duty.

A force spokesperson said: "Officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall on Wednesday, July 3, following a report that a man, who was wanted by Nottinghamshire Police, may have been in the area.

"As part of our response to the incident, a police dog was also deployed to assist with the search.

"The suspect made off from officers before entering the water in Watermead Park.

"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.

The investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog’s death remains ongoing.

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

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.”

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