Black child ‘mauled by police dog when armed officers arrested him’
A black teenage boy has undergone two rounds of surgery after being attacked by a police dog.
The 14-year-old was arrested while walking home in Kingstanding, Birmingham, last Tuesday evening when he was approached by an unmarked police car.
The boy and his four friends ran off so the dog was released to chase them down. He was bitten and suffered an injury over two inches by one inch.
His dad is now threatening legal action. He told the Independent: ‘All I think of is when you watch movies like Django Unchained and dogs are set on runaway slaves to tear their flesh off. I don’t want any other child to go through this.’
He now wants the police dog to be put down and for the officers involved to be prosecuted.
Police said they received a call about a man being chased by a group armed with machetes and they found a combat knife at the scene.
A spokesman said: ‘An ambulance was immediately called, but officers drove him to hospital themselves to ensure he got swift medical attention.
‘The 14-year-old was arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and remains on police bail as enquiries continue.’
Four other teenagers, three of them aged 17 and the other 18, were taken into custody on suspicion of a public order offence.
Police refused to say if those arrested were found to be carrying weapons. They have been released on bail as an investigation is launched.
The boy’s family has also demanded compensation as the force refers the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that we have received a referral from West Midlands Police in connection with the injuries allegedly sustained by the boy during this incident and we will be carrying out an assessment to determine what further action may be required from us.’
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