Lancashire Police teams were searching for a missing person in Walton-le-Dale when PD Jax became aggressive, biting the handler and causing serious injuries.

Further patrols, including armed officers, attended the scene and attempted to restrain the dog, a Belgian Malinois.

But all efforts failed and PD Jax was shot by armed officers.

The police dog handler suffered a serious upper leg injury and remains in hospital.

No members of the public were harmed.

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Injured handler 'receiving full support'

Superintendent Hassan Khan, of Lancashire Police, said: "This is never an easy decision for any officer to take, but police have a duty to act where necessary before any further injury is caused, whether to officers, or members of the public.

"We would never put anyone at risk of further harm.

"These are highly trained, working dogs which do a skilled job, but like any dog can present a danger in certain circumstances.

"We know how much our dogs are loved by the people of Lancashire and beyond, as well as our own staff."

"We have been left devastated by what has happened and the outcome of this incident.

"Our thoughts are very much with the injured officer while she undergoes treatment for serious leg injuries and she is receiving our full support."