Teen charged over stabbing of policeman and his dog

  • Anglia
Police dog Finn and his handler PC Dave Wardell are recovering from their injuries. Credit: Herts Police

A teenager has been charged after a policeman and his dog were both stabbed during an arrest operation in Stevenage.

The 16-year-old boy, who is from Lewisham in London, is charged with assaulting police dog handler PC Dave Wardell and attacking his German Shepherd Finn. He also faces weapons charges related to a combat knife and a BB gun.

Finn underwent a four hour operation at vets in Hitchin after being wounded in the head and chest. PC Wardell was treated at Lister Hospital for hand injuries.

Police say Finn is still very sore but is recovering well and has even been on a brief walk with PC Wardell. In a tweet they said: "All looking positive at the moment."

Police tweeted a photo of Finn after his four hour operation. Credit: Twitter

PC Wardell and Finn were part of a police operation in Stevenage on Tuesday night after a taxi driver was robbed at gunpoint.

Four other people were arrested, three have been released on bail and the fourth charged with theft.

Ch Insp Tannis Perks said: “We have received a number of calls in relation to the investigation and I would like to thank the residents of Stevenage who have been in touch offering information and providing assistance."

Finn has been with PC Wardell since the German Shepherd was only nine-months-old. Credit: Herts Police