Two people were injured after two police dogs escaped from a handler’s garden in Sileby, Leicestershire, setting up a contrast between the force’s assurance that safeguards were generally in place and a witness’s warning about the risk to the public.

The dogs — one operational and one retired — were seen barking in the street before approaching a woman. A man driving through the area stopped to help and was bitten on the ankle by the operational dog, according to accounts carried by both outlets. The dogs were subsequently brought under control and returned to the property.¹

The man, who asked not to be named and described himself as a professional dog handler, said he had intervened after seeing someone apparently struggling with one of the animals. “Within moments of exiting my vehicle, the operational police dog bit my ankle, breaking the skin on both sides.”² He said his work boots limited the injury and stressed that he did not blame the dogs or want them put down.

His concern was instead about what might have happened to someone less able to move away. “Had a child, an elderly person or someone unable to retreat quickly encountered these dogs, the consequences could potentially have been much worse,” he said.²

Leicestershire Police said the two injured members of the public did not require medical treatment and that it had apologised to them. The force said its review found that “the correct security arrangements are usually in place” and characterised the escape as “an isolated incident.”¹

Even so, the handler has been reminded to keep the gate secure, while the handler and operational dog will undergo a safety assessment. Other handlers have also been reminded to keep dogs securely contained when off duty.¹