Boy, 14, mauled by police dog as cops respond to group ‘brandishing machetes’
A teenager was rushed to hospital after he was bitten by a police dog.
Armed officers were called to a machete alert in Finchley Road, Birmingham, and were attempting to detain a 14-year-old boy when he was injured by the dog at around 8.20pm on Tuesday, October 11.
Police attended the scene after a man called emergency services, reporting that he had been chased by a group of people who were brandishing machetes, BirminghamLive reports.
An ambulance was "immediately" called for the boy but officers ended up driving the youngster to a nearby hospital themselves to make sure he got medical attention as quickly as possible, a spokesperson claimed.
The extent of his injuries remains unknown.
The injured schoolboy was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains on police bail while officers continue their inquiries.
Three other boys, aged 17, and an 18-year-old man were also arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
West Midlands Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Complaints.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to Finchley Road, Birmingham, at 8.20 pm on Tuesday, October 11 by a man saying he'd been chased by a group brandishing machetes.
"Armed police and a dog handler responded and a police dog was deployed after the group ran off. A 14-year-old was bitten a police dog as we attempted to detain him.
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"An ambulance was immediately called, but officers drove him to hospital themselves to ensure he got swift medical attention. The 14-year-old was arrested at the scene and remains on police bail as enquiries continue.
"Our Professional Standards Department has referred the matter to the IOPC.
"Three other boys aged 17 and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and released on police bail pending further enquiries."
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