The dogs are at risk from injuring paws

Northumbria Police has become one of the first forces in the country to make their dogs wear special boots.

Crime scenes are usually strewn with broken glass, and the canines are often the first to arrive to hunt out clues.

Now their paws are being protected thanks to the footwear called Bark 'n Boots which are made in Hampshire.

The force's public order training unit has also ordered specially designed shields for dog handlers while officers in the mounted section now have tailor-made protection suits.

PC Alex McLeod, instructor in the unit, said: "We are now leading the way when it comes to the safety of officers and our four-legged colleagues.

"There have certainly been occasions when dogs could not be deployed because they would have been at risk of injuring their paws.

"The boots are also of benefit when an officer is searching premises for a suspect after a burglary.

"There is often glass on the floor, but now dogs can be safely used in searches."