A 73-year-old woman who was bitten by a police dog as it searched for a suspect in her garden has died in hospital, police have said.

Irene Collins was attacked by the German shepherd on Wednesday, inside her home on Penrith Road, Middlesbrough. Cleveland police have referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and the dog has been withdrawn from operational duties.

It was understood Collins was in poor health when she was attacked. Witnesses said the dog handler was extremely upset after the incident.

The police said: "Cleveland police are deeply saddened to receive the news that 73-year-old Irene Collins, of North Ormesby, who was injured following contact inside her home with a Cleveland police operational police dog last Wednesday, has passed away in James Cook University hospital, Middlesbrough over the weekend."

Assistant Ch Con Sean White of Cleveland police said: "Our thoughts are with family members, relatives and friends who will be distraught at this sad news. Members of Cleveland police share the grief that is felt and we all wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family.

"The IPCC has been updated and will make a decision on how the incident should be investigated. We are providing the highest level of cooperation to the IPCC and seeking to support the family where it is possible to do so."

"Support is being provided to the police officer who was handling the dog at the time of the event.

"We are committed to learning any lessons that may arise from the investigation and the daily use of police dogs remains operationally important in reducing crime and disorder and protecting the public. Our dogs are trained and licensed for use in accordance with national police guidance."

Collins's family issued a statement: "We would like to thank people for their kind messages. We are devastated. We ask the media to please respect our right to privacy and allow us to grieve in private. We do not wish to say anything further at this stage."