Police dog fighting for its life after suspected thief stabbed him and his handler
The handler and his dog, Finn, were called to Rowland Road at 1.15am to reports a taxi driver had been robbed by a man with a gun
A POLICE dog is fighting for its life after he and his handler were stabbed while chasing a man suspected of robbing a taxi driver.
The handler and his dog, Finn, were called to Rowland Road at 1.15 this morning following the robbery of a taxi driver in Stevenage by a man with a gun late last night.
A suspect ran off and Finn and his handler gave chase, catching the man in Denton Road - where they were stabbed.
The officer received an injury to his hand. Finn suffered a wound to his head and chest and is currently receiving emergency specialist treatment.
Other police officers went to assist and a 16 year old male from Lewisham was arrested on suspicion of GBH, conspiracy to rob, possession of a firearm and possession of a bladed article.
Following further inquiries and searches at a nearby property, a number of wraps of cocaine were found. A 35 year old woman from Stevenage was arrested and is
being questioned on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and an unrelated fraud matter.
A man located at the address during the search, who is 17 years old and from London, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
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Two people were also stopped in a vehicle nearby and arrested. They are a 31 year old man from Stevenage and a 36 year old woman from Luton. They are both being questioned on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
They all remain in police custody at this time.
Chief Inspector for Stevenage, Tannis Perks, said: "Safety of members of the public is paramount and following the initial call a significant number of resources,
including firearms officers, the helicopter and dog units, were deployed to the area.
"We also worked closely with local taxi companies to provide reassurance and crime prevention advice and I am grateful for their vigilance and co-operation.
"The dog handler was taken to the Lister hospital for treatment and police dog Finn suffered severe injuries and vets are doing all they can to treat him.
"Whilst I can imagine the high level of police activity in Stevenage overnight may have caused some concern to residents, I would like to reassure people that a number of arrests have been made, our investigations are on-going and there will be increased high visibility patrols in the area.
"If you saw any suspicious activity in the area or have any information which could assist our inquires I would ask you contact police immediately."
Anyone who has any information which would assist the investigation should call the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.
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