A police officer has sustained serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog during a stop and search in south Belfast last night (Tuesday 29 December).
He was one of two officers injured in Botanic Avenue just before 10pm.
The two officers were on patrol when they had reason to stop and search a man under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
During the search, the man allegedly became aggressive.
Both officers were reportedly attacked by a dog that was with the man. One of the officers was bitten on the face and the other on the arm.
The dog was secured and the man was detained a short distance away and arrested on suspicion of assault on police, resisting police and possession of a Class B controlled drug. He remains in custody this afternoon.
Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment. One of the officers has sustained serious facial injuries.
Chief Inspector John Sayers said: “This was a nasty incident involving two of our officers who were simply doing their job. When they started their shift yesterday they did not expect, or deserve, to end up in hospital for treatment of injuries. I wish both of our officers a speedy recovery.
“In the meantime, if anyone witnessed what occurred please call us on 101, and quote reference number 1930 of 29/12/20.”
A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/