‘Brave’ police dog dies while chasing attempted murder suspect through park

‘PD Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery,’ police said in a statement

PD Zyla died after chasing a suspect into water at the Watermead Country Park in Birstall, near Leicester (Leicestershire Police/PA Wire)

A police dog died while chasing a wanted man through a country park into water.

PD Zyla was following an attempted murder suspect, aged 27, at the Watermead Country Park in Birstall, near Leicester, on Wednesday.

The dog was confirmed dead after being taken to a vet in the afternoon.

Leicestershire Police’s chief constable Rob 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.

“My thoughts remain with Zyla’s handler and all those who have been impacted. 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.”

A birds-eye view of Watermead Park (NPASMidlands)

Officers said a man wanted by Nottinghamshire Police was detained on suspicion of attempted murder before being further arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

A 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.

“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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident 293 of July 3.