A police officer accused of attacking five people using a police dog is expected to go on trial next year.

Greater Manchester Police PC Paul Jackson appeared in Preston Crown Court charged with five counts of Section 18 wounding - causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

In several of the cases the alleged victims suffered serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

PC Jackson has denied each of the charges put to him at a plea hearing, where he appeared alongside PC Paul Lockett, also with GMP, who faces charges of aiding and abetting one of PC Jackson’s alleged assault offences.

PC Jackson’s case relates to incidents between May 2015 and September 2016, investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), formerly the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

PC Jackson is accused of using his police dog with excessive force while carrying out his duties.

Wearing a blue shirt and yellow tie in the dock, PC Jackson formally pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A provisional trial date has been set for next May.

PC Lockett made an application to have his charges dismissed which will be heard on November 23.

Both PCs were granted unconditional bail.

For all the latest from the courts around Greater Manchester join our Greater Manchester Court Cases Facebook group.