Police dog is shot after seriously injuring its handler while searching for a missing person

• The handler suffered a serious thigh injury and remains hospitalized

A police dog has been shot dead after becoming aggressive and biting its handler while searching for a missing person in a village near Preston, Lancashire.

During the search at 5:15 this morning, the police dog became aggressive, biting its police dog handler and causing serious injuries.

Attempts were made to restrain the dog, with armed officers present, but these attempts failed.

Given the continued threat to the injured officer and other patrol officers, PD Jax was shot dead at the scene by armed officers and sadly died.

The police dog handler suffered a serious thigh injury and remains hospitalized.

PD Jax (pictured) was shot dead this morning after becoming aggressive and biting the handler

When the incident happened, police were looking for a missing person in a field off Higher Walton Road in Walton-le-Dale.

Supt Hassan Khan of Lancashire Police said the force was devastated by the incident and the outcome.

Mr Khan said: “This is not an easy decision for any officer but the police have a duty to intervene where necessary before further injury occurs, whether to officers or the public.” We would never put anyone at risk of further harm .

“These are well-trained working dogs that do a skilled job but, like any dog, can pose a hazard under certain circumstances.”

“We know how much our dogs are loved by the people of Lancashire and beyond, as well as by our own staff.”

He added: “Our thoughts are with the injured officer as she is treated for her serious leg injuries and she has our full support.”

“Given the circumstances, the incident will be reviewed in due course.”

No members of the public were involved in the incident.