Derbyshire Police dog stabbed three times during arrest Published duration 5 July 2018

image copyright Derbyshire Police image caption Police said they had "fingers and paws" crossed for Axle's recovery

A police dog was stabbed three times when armed officers were sent to a disturbance.

PD Axle was injured while assisting police at 18:50 BST in the High Street of Riddings, Derbyshire, on Wednesday.

Derbyshire Police said Axle was making a "good recovery" and thanked the hundreds of good will messages posted on social media.

A 27-year-old man was arrested during the operation. No police officers were injured.

After the attack, Derbyshire Armed Response Unit said PD Axle had been "sedated" and was "awaiting surgery" at a veterinary practice in Derby.

The force said it detained a "dangerous individual" with the help of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) Birmingham.

image copyright Facebook image caption Hundreds of comments have been left, offering support and demanding action

Facebook posts about the attack and his recovery together got nearly 2,000 comments from as far afield as the US and Australia.

Messages included Leissa Wages saying "Hooray for Axle" and Louise Butler commenting "Fantastic news he deserves a medal and a good rest".

Lucy Conley of the K9 Blood Donor team offered its services if Axel needed a transfusion.

On Twitter Scotland Police Dogs said "Thank Goodness Axle is make a good recovery. Sending tartan hugs".

Craft shop @dragonfliesilk asked for contact details, saying "The children in my sewing group would like to send him some presents".

Among the goodwill and support were calls for tough action against people who attack police dogs.

A proposal for a new law to give greater protection to police animals was blocked earlier this month . It was objected to by Conservative MP Christopher Chope, who has a reputation for derailing private members' bills.

image copyright Derbyshire Armed Response Unit image caption The force said the "dangerous individual" was detained during the attack on PD Axle

Officers said they were called to a "domestic incident" after reports of a disturbance.

"The incident resulted in a large number of officers, including the police helicopter, attending the scene," it said.

"No officers were physically hurt during the incident; however, a police dog was injured and is receiving treatment."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.