Police dog injured by rioter in Tamworth disorder
Appeal for information after police dog Vixen injured in Tamworth riots
Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating the individual who struck a police dog with a brick during riots.
Staffordshire Police are searching for those responsible for injuring Vixen and six officers during a disturbance in the West Midlands last weekend. Vixen was attempting to stop one of the rioters in Tamworth on Sunday night when a far-right group set fire to a Holiday Inn Express.
We need your help to identify those responsible for striking one of our police dogs with a brick and injuring six officers in the violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent.
Read more here: https://t.co/aAxqW0BSR7 pic.twitter.com/IHdsjeA54B
— Staffordshire Police (@StaffsPolice) August 6, 2024
A brick struck Vixen above her right eye, causing a significant gash that required medical attention. She is now recuperating at home and is expected to resume her duties in a few days. Six officers were also assaulted during incidents in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire Police have condemned the attacks as “completely unacceptable,” noting that “thankfully, none of their injuries are serious,” and vowed to pursue justice. They have urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We need your help to identify those responsible for striking one of our police dogs with a brick and injuring six officers in the violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent,” the force stated. “Vixen was trying to stop one of the thugs when she was struck above her right eye with a brick, suffering a nasty gash and required medical treatment.
“She is now recovering at home and is expected to return to work in a few days. Six officers were also assaulted in the two disorder incidents, which is completely unacceptable. Thankfully, none of their injuries are serious. One man has already been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker after an officer was assaulted in the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.”
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison condemned the weekend’s violence, stating: “Our officers faced mindless violence and showed exceptional bravery. It is unacceptable that those trying to keep the public safe are attacked so violently. This disregard for the local community and public property also resulted in seven police cars being damaged, likely costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds to fix.
“Police dogs are considered just as important as their human counterparts, so we are launching a full investigation to identify who assaulted a valued police dog. We believe there is footage of the incident circulating on social media, so if anyone can share the footage or help us identify those involved, we can seek justice for our canine colleague.
“The violence seen in Tamworth has been abhorrent, with two other police dogs injured too, and I know members of the public will be disgusted that a beautiful animal like Vixen has been harmed whilst trying to keep people safe. Police forces across the country all have the same message for the individuals involved in these incidents: you are being pursued and we are working around the clock to find you.”
Anyone with information about the assaults on officers or police dogs or who has footage or images of the incident is urged to share them using the Major Incident Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). For guaranteed anonymity, contact Crimestoppers.
