Hampshire Constabulary is facing a lawsuit for £65,000 in damages after one of their police dogs allegedly savaged a student without warning.
The incident happened three years ago on May 5, 2020, leaving the victim fearing for his life.
Ben Forster, 23, had been celebrating his university exam results at his girlfriend’s house in Southampton when he started to feel ill.
The trainee chartered accountant went outside barefoot to get some fresh air, whereupon the terrifying attack is said to have happened.
Mr Forster was purportedly set upon by a large police dog called Ernie, who bit his leg, stomach and ankle.
The 23-year-old claimed he heard neither warning shouts nor barking, before Ernie allegedly sank his teeth into him.
Officers then rushed to the scene, pushing his face onto the pavement before bundling him into a police van.
Mr Forster claims that he was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment after officers realised he was “bleeding profusely” from a head wound.
He was then taken to the local police station where he was formally arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously and failing to stop.
However, officers released him without charge when they realised they had mistaken him for someone else.
Following the alleged attack, Mr Forster claims that he suffered from psychological symptoms including anxiety, flashbacks, and problems sleeping, and was prescribed antidepressants.
He is suing police for damages for false imprisonment, assault and battery, breach of the Animals Act 1971, and negligence.
Mr Forster also alleges the dog had not been properly trained or assessed for operational duties.
There are over 2,500 police dogs employed amongst the various forces in the UK, with the Belgian Malinois as the most popular breed for general-purpose work.
All British police dogs, irrespective of the discipline they are trained in, must be licensed to work operationally.
The standards required to become operational are laid down by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) sub-committee on police dogs.
Express.co.uk has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for comment.
