An injured police dog managed to pin down a suspect despite the man slamming a car door on its head "multiple times".

Alfa, a German shepherd, detained the "violent and reckless individual" after officers spotted he was driving a stolen car with fake number plates.

The 36-year-old had tried to speed off after seeing the sirens, but soon became stuck on a roundabout after reversing into a dog unit vehicle.

He then struggled with an officer to keep his car door closed and slammed it on Alfa's head repeatedly, police said.

The officer was then able to remove the suspect from the vehicle before the dog pinned him down.


The car had been spotted on Harrow Manorway, Bexley, southeast London, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Alfa was taken to the vet for a check-up and kept there for observation but it is hoped he will make a full recovery.

Image: The stolen car was spotted on Harrow Manorway in Bexley

The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of cruelty to an animal, theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, going equipped to commit theft, criminal damage to a police vehicle and driving while disqualified and without insurance.

He remains in custody at a southeast London police station.

Superintendent Emma Richards said: "This officer and canine companion stopped at nothing to apprehend this violent and reckless individual, who showed no concern for the welfare of the public, police, or police animals in his actions.

"Our officers work day and night to make the streets of London a safer place, and this is a prime example of the kind of situations they encounter, but tackle with bravery and professionalism.

"We will be supporting the officer and PD Alfa over the coming days to ensure they both make a full recovery."

A new law designed to give extra legal protection to police dogs and horses passed the committee stage in the Houses of Parliament last month.

The bill was named Finn's Law after the police dog that was stabbed in the chest and head by a suspected robber while protecting his handler during a pursuit in 2016.

It aims to remove a section of the current law of self-defence often used by those who harm a service animal.