Investigation launched into claims woman was bitten by police dog at illegal rave

An investigation has been launched after a woman claimed to have suffered “life-changing injuries” to her leg when she was allegedly bitten by a police dog at an illegal rave.

Jessica Mae Andrew told the Independent newspaper that she was attacked by the dog as police tried to shut down the event in Yate near Bristol on October 31.

She alleges that she was dancing at the event when the dog grabbed her leg and pulled her to the ground.

“I was screaming in pain and the dog bit through my thigh muscle and tore out fat,” she told the newspaper.

The 28-year-old claimed that she was bitten down to the bone and has been told her leg will never be the same again.

Watch: Illegal raves: What is going on?

It took police more than 14 hours to break up the illegal rave at a warehouse, where around 500-700 people had gathered.

Some people started pelting officers with objects including lit spray cans and bottles, leaving some injured, the force said at the time.

Avon and Somerset Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the allegations around the police dog.

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An IOPC spokesperson said they had decided the matter was suitable for local investigation by the force but it will be given a copy of the final report.

The spokesperson said: “We received a referral from Avon and Somerset Police after a member of the public sustained a dog bite injury in Yate.

“After careful consideration, we decided the matter was suitable for local investigation by the force.

“The IOPC will be provided with a copy of the force’s final report so will retain some oversight of this matter.”

Avon and Somerset Police has reportedly said its investigation is ongoing and will include reviewing body-worn camera footage.

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