Investigation launched after police dog leaves raver with 'life changing injuries'

The police regulator has launched an investigation after a police dog left a young woman at a rave with ‘life changing injuries’.

Police spent more than 14 hours attempting to close down a rave in Yate, near Bristol, on October 31.

A young woman at the event claims to have sustained "life-changing injuries" to her leg from a police dog that attended the scene with officers.

Jessica Mae Andrew said the dog attacked her and she sustained a broken bone and needed skin and muscle grafts, leaving her needing reconstructive surgery.

Avon and Somerset Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the claims.

At the time of the event, police said officers were pelted with missiles when they moved in to disperse a crowd in a warehouse.

Ravers threw lit spray cans and bottles at police, “some of whom were injured but remained on duty,” police said.

Two people were arrested.

In an interview with the Independent, Ms Andrew, 28, said: “I was dancing when I was attacked with no warning at all.

“I didn’t even know it was there. The dog came out of nowhere, grabbed me by the thigh and pulled me to the floor.

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

She described the dog as “totally out of control”, claiming she was left with a “gaping hole in my calf bigger than my fist”.

“I saw that the police were about to shut the party down and I just wanted to have one last dance before it ended,” she said.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "The process is ongoing and will include reviewing body-worn camera footage.

"Our final report will be provided to the IOPC."