4:12PM, Tue Aug 28, 2012

WPC In Hospital After She Is Savaged By Japanese Fighting Dog

By Hugh Macknight Location: Durham

A police officer is being treated in hospital after a Japanese fighting dog broke from its chain and savaged her.

PC Helen Pearson remains in hospital after the Akita tore into her arms and hip.

A passing motorist stopped and took the stricken officer into her car where she administered first aid while other officers arrived at the scene Tow Law, County Durham

PC Pearson, 55, was rushed to the University of North Durham for emergency surgery and remains hospitalised for further treatment.

The neighbourhood inspector was carrying out a routine call at a property when the dog, who was in a garden with other Akitas, attacked her at 11am.

Durham Constabulary say it is not clear at this stage whether the dog broke free upon seeing PC Pearson or whether it had already become loose before she arrived.

Insp Kevin Tuck, head of PC Pearson's neighbourhood team, said: "This was a traumatic attack on an experienced officer who was carrying out her duties on a routine call.

“Although she’s in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery she will need extensive ongoing medical treatment. We’re extremely grateful to the woman who came to Helen’s aid and are contacting her to record our formal thanks.”

A Durham Police spokesperson added: "The dog was seized by police and steps are being taken to obtain an order for its humane destruction. The dog's owners have been interviewed in relation to possible offences under the Dangerous
Dogs Act and other legislation. Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances."