Died 7/3/24
Police dog dies after chasing attempted murder suspect into lake as he fled from officers
The 27-year-old suspect is being held on suspicion of animal cruelty and over a separate inquiry into an allegation of attempted murder.A police dog has died after entering the water to search for a suspect at a country park in Leicestershire.Officers said a man wanted by Nottinghamshire Police was detained on suspicion of attempted murder at Watermead Country Park in Birstall, near Leicester, on Wednesday, before being further arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.The dog, named by the Leicestershire force as PD Zyla, was confirmed dead after being taken to a vet on Wednesday afternoon.A statement issued by Leicestershire Police said officers were responding to a report that a man, who was wanted by the Nottinghamshire force, may have been in the area.The statement added: “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 remains in police custody.”An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the dog’s death, while the attempted murder inquiry 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.