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Oldbury boy bitten by West Midlands police dog Oldbury boy bitten by West Midlands police dog
(35 minutes later)
A 10-year-old boy was seriously hurt when he was bitten by a police dog in his back garden.A 10-year-old boy was seriously hurt when he was bitten by a police dog in his back garden.
It happened in Western Road, Oldbury, while officers were dealing with reports of a nearby copper cable theft on Sunday. It happened in New Henry Street, Oldbury, while officers responded to reports of a nearby copper cable theft on Sunday.
A dog handler and his German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois cross were searching for four suspects when they entered a private garden and the boy was bitten.A dog handler and his German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois cross were searching for four suspects when they entered a private garden and the boy was bitten.
The boy remains in hospital where he continues to be treated, police said. The child remains in hospital where he continues to be treated, police said.
West Midlands Police said it would carry out its own investigation.West Midlands Police said it would carry out its own investigation.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed.The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed.
Ch Insp Ian Marsh said: "We apologise unreservedly for what has happened.Ch Insp Ian Marsh said: "We apologise unreservedly for what has happened.
"Police dogs and their handlers receive intensive training and play crucial roles in the arrest of suspects day in day out, but on the very rare occasions where things go wrong, it's vital we understand why and learn the lessons to ensure it doesn't happen again.""Police dogs and their handlers receive intensive training and play crucial roles in the arrest of suspects day in day out, but on the very rare occasions where things go wrong, it's vital we understand why and learn the lessons to ensure it doesn't happen again."
Following an independent assessment the dog handler and the dog continue to carry out regular duties, the force said.Following an independent assessment the dog handler and the dog continue to carry out regular duties, the force said.