Police dog praised for action in assault arrest

8 hours ago

Elliot BallWest Midlands

News image — PD Fende was deployed after a group of men approached officers during an arrest

West Mercia Police Dog Section A black German shepherd dog looks up at the camera. It has brown eyes and a black nose. It is also sat in a white compartment in a police vehicle with a second yellow and blue police vehicle behind. — PD Fende was deployed after a group of men approached officers during an arrest

A police dog has been praised by her force after helping to de-escalate a hostile situation while officers carried out an arrest in Hereford city centre.

It happened earlier in Union Street, Hereford, after West Mercia officers were called out to reports of an assault.

But PD Fende, a black German shepherd, was called on when a group of men approached officers and "shouting aggressively and attempting to interfere".

A spokesperson for the West Mercia Police Dog Section said: "On command, PD Fende immediately took control of the situation, barking to create space and safely disperse the group."

They added: "Her presence allowed officers to complete the arrest and prevent the situation from escalating further."

A number of people were arrested for public order offences.

"PD Fende's calm, controlled, and highly trained response ensured the safety of both officers and members of the public during a volatile incident," the force said.

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