A police dog is recovering after he was repeatedly attacked with a machete.

Officers, including police dog Stark, were called to reports of people acting suspiciously with torches and a break-in at allotments off Larch Avenue, in Handsworth, around 4am on Saturday (November 14).

Stark was hit numerous times with the large blade but still managed to 'bite the attacker on his leg until he was detained'.

On the mend- Police Dog Stark

West Midlands Police said a teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting a police dog.

He was transferred to hospital for a check-up and will be taken into custody.

Meanwhile Stark was taken to the vets and is said to be OK after his ordeal.

Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter

JS171008267.jpg 

We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets.

So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system.

Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings.

You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter.

Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article.

It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts.

We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store

West Midlands Police said: “One of our police dogs was attacked with a knife on Larch Avenue in Handsworth, Birmingham at around 4am this morning (Saturday 14 November) after he was deployed with PC Paul Hopley to a report of a break-in at allotments on the road.

“Police dog Stark was struck with a knife on his head, but still managed to bite the offender on his leg before he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting a police dog.

“The 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital so his injuries could be checked over and will be taken into police custody later.

“Luckily, our brave PD Stark is going to be ok.”

WMP Eye in the Sky tweeted: “4am and ‘A’ unit assist @WMPDogs to search for persons seen acting suspiciously with torches.

“One male was located and detained by PD Stark, who suffered injuries after being struck repeatedly by this machete.

“He is being seen by the 24hr vet at present.”