A 19-year-old man allegedly hit a police dog on the head and attempted to drown him in Darebin Creek, Victoria, early on Thursday following a police pursuit.

Indy, a-four-year-old German Shepherd, chased the man into the creek where the attack occurred.

Police stated: “The dog bit the Broadford man before the canine handler pulled the dog from the water and the man escaped.”

Police allege the man, along with a 29-year-old Mill Park man and 20-year-old Pascoe Vale woman, were spotted travelling north in a white Ford sedan when the pursuit began.

One of the vehicle’s tires blew out at the intersection of Darebin Boulevard and Clough Parade. Police descended on the vehicle but the man managed to escape as his companions were arrested.

The 19-year-old later presented himself at a hospital with severe dog bite injuries where Darebin Crime Investigation Unit arrested him.

He remains in custody, while the woman has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court at a later date. The Mill Park man was released pending further inquiries.

Victoria Police issued an update on Facebook stating, “We’re pleased to say Indy the police dog is fine and back on duty.”