Police dog dies chasing attempted murder suspect, 27, into lake after he fled from officers

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and animal cruelty after a police dog died while chasing him into a lake.

Officers were called to Watermead Park in Birstall, Leicestershire, following reports a wanted suspect may have been in the area on Wednesday.

A police dog was also deployed to assist with the search and when the man ran off from officers and entered the water, he was followed by Police Dog Zyla.

Leicestershire Police said the dog then became unresponsive and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed he has sadly died.

The suspect was located elsewhere in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the dog's death. 

The force has now paid tribute to PD Zyla with Chief Constable Rob Nixon saying she 'will always be remembered for her bravery and service'.

He added: 'Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations.

'Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service.

'I know many across force are deeply saddened by the loss of PD Zyla and I share in this sorrow.

'My thoughts remain with Zyla's handler and all those who have been impacted.

'We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in force who have been affected.

'Yesterday's events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident.

'Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.

'I would also like to thank members of the public for your kind messages which we have received, including the messages of support for PD Zyla's handler.

'This is truly appreciated by us all.'

The force said welfare support is also being provided to PD Zyla's handler and to officers and staff.

As a mark of respect, the force flag is currently being flown at half mast at Leicestershire Police headquarters.

The gesture is usually carried out by the force when an officer or member of staff has died while in the line of duty.

CC Nixon will also be wearing a silver band with Zyla's name on it later this month at the Police Unity tour - an event which honours officers who have died in the line of duty.

Detective Inspector Claire Hughes, of Leicestershire Police, said: 'This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of one of our police dogs.

'Colleagues are supporting the dog's handler at this understandably difficult time and our investigation to establish what happened is ongoing.

'We would like to speak to anyone who may have any information at all relating to this incident and has not as yet spoken to police to get in touch.'

The investigation for the attempted murder offence for which the man was wanted for is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 293 of 3 July or visit www.leics.police.uk.