Cleveland Police bite death dog to be put down
A police dog which attacked a woman who later died is to be put down.
Irene Collins, 73, was bitten several times by the German shepherd after police went into her garden in Middlesbrough while searching for a suspected burglar on 16 July.
She was taken to hospital, but died four days later.
A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the animal would be put down after an investigation by the police watchdog had been completed.
The force referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) voluntarily.
The spokeswoman said: "A decision has been made by Cleveland Police that the police dog involved in the incident should be put down.
"As the IPCC investigation is continuing, it is appropriate to wait until all enquiries relating to the dog have been concluded prior to this action being taken."
Speaking after Mrs Collins' death, Assistant Chief Constable Sean White said: "Members of Cleveland Police share the grief that is felt and we all wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family."
The dog was withdrawn from operational duties immediately after the attack.