A police dog has died after entering the water to search for a suspect at a country park in Leicestershire.
Officers had tracked the wanted man, who was later held on suspicion of attempted murder, to Watermead Country Park in Birstall on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old had run from them and entered the water, followed by the police dog who became unresponsive shortly after.
The animal was rushed to the vet where it was later confirmed to have died. The dog’s handler is being supported following the ‘extremely sad incident’.
Leicestershire Police said the suspect was further arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.
The statement added: ‘As part of our response to the incident, a police dog was also deployed to assist with the search.
‘The suspect made off from officers before entering the water in Watermead Park.
‘The police dog became unresponsive after it also entered the water and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed they had sadly died.
Chief Constable Rob Nixon led tributes from the force, saying Zyla ‘will always be remembered for her bravery and service’.
CC Nixon said: ‘Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations.
‘Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service. I know many across force are deeply saddened by the loss of PD Zyla and I share in this sorrow.
‘My thoughts remain with Zyla’s handler and all those who have been impacted. We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in force who have been affected.
‘Yesterday’s events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident. Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.
‘I would also like to thank members of the public for your kind messages which we have received, including the messages of support for PD Zyla’s handler. This is truly appreciated by us all.’
As a mark of respect, the force flag is currently being flown at half mast at force headquarters.
This mark of respect is usually reserved for when an officer or member of staff has died while in the line of duty.
A remembrance event will also be arranged in force for PD Zyla.
‘Following a continued search of the surrounding area, the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was located in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
‘He remains in police custody.’
An investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the dog’s death, while the attempted murder inquiry is being led by Nottinghamshire Police.
Detective Inspector Claire Hughes said: ‘This is an extremely sad incident that has resulted in the death of one of our police dogs.
‘Colleagues are supporting the dog’s handler at this understandably difficult time and our investigation to establish what happened is ongoing.
‘We would like to speak to anyone who may have any information at all relating to this incident and has not as yet spoken to police to get in touch.’
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