West Mercia: Police dogs are given protective body armour

       Hampshire Constabulary is facing a lawsuit for ￡65,000 in damages after one of their police dogs allegedly savaged a student without warning.

       The incident happened three years ago on May 5, 2020, leaving the victim fearing for his life.

       Ben Forster, 23, had been celebrating his university exam results at his girlfriend's house in Southampton when he started to feel ill.

       The trainee chartered accountant went outside barefoot to get some fresh air, whereupon the terrifying attack is said to have happened.

       Mr Forster was purportedly set upon by a large police dog called Ernie, who bit his leg, stomach and ankle.

       READ MORE: ‘Serious police incident’ as search continues for person swept into sea

       There are over 2,500 police dogs employed (Image: Getty)

       The 23-year-old claimed he heard neither warning shouts nor barking, before Ernie allegedly sank his teeth into him.

       Officers then rushed to the scene, pushing his face onto the pavement before bundling him into a police van.

       Mr Forster claims that he was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment after officers realised he was "bleeding profusely" from a head wound.

       He was then taken to the local police station where he was formally arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously and failing to stop.

       However, officers released him without charge when they realised they had mistaken him for someone else.

       Don't miss...

       Map shows the English towns and cities with the most and least police officers [REVEAL]

       Crisis of confidence in police as Britons resigned to unsolved crimes [LATEST]

       Hippy crack drivers face police blitz after spate of accidents [NEWS]

       The dogs must pass a rigorous test (Image: Getty)

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       Following the alleged attack, Mr Forster claims that he suffered from psychological symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks, and problems sleeping, and was prescribed antidepressants.

       He is suing police for damages for false imprisonment, assault and battery, breach of the Animals Act 1971, and negligence.

       Mr Forster also alleges the dog had not been properly trained or assessed for operational duties.

       There are over 2,500 police dogs employed amongst the various forces in the UK, with the Belgian Malinois as the most popular breed for general-purpose work.

       Trending

       All British police dogs, irrespective of the discipline they are trained in, must be licensed to work operationally.

       The standards required to become operational are laid down by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) sub-committee on police dogs.

       Express.co.uk has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for comment.

       Related articles Britain's Got Talent dog star that left audience in tears dies as tributes paid Man, 19, stabbed to death as another fights for his life after street brawl E-scooter rider dies after being struck by ambulance racing to emergency call UK’s longest-serving sniffer dog retires after serving on 500 investigations Two motorbikes recovered as investigation into 7-year-old girl's death continues