Police Officer Stabs Dog To Death With Knife

A police officer has killed a dog with a knife after it bit down on a colleague's leg and refused to let go.

A 39-year-old trainee Detective Constable was attacked by the animal after officers forced their way into a property in Lewisham, southeast London, as part of a drugs investigation.

CS gas spray was used as several officers tried to free their colleague.

The dog unit and armed police were called to give assistance, but they were still unable to remove the dog.

"Due to growing concern for the officer's safety and an inability to control or remove the animal, it was deemed necessary to use force," at statement from the Met Police said.

"The dog was stabbed with a knife by an officer at the scene and has died as a result of its injuries."

The injured officer was taken to hospital and will have surgery, but is said to be in a stable condition.

The dog is not believed to be a dangerous or banned breed.

The killing of the dog is being investigated by officers at Lewisham's Professional Standard Unit after they received a complaint about the incident.

No drugs were found at the property in Lonsdale Close and no arrests were made