Police dog breaks neck in two places while chasing suspected thieves
Nero, 6, 'loved tracking down baddies' while working for Hertfordshire police
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A German Shepherd police dog who “loved tracking down baddies” suffered a severe neck break after falling from a significant height while chasing two suspected thieves.
Nero, aged six, was part of a team on an early raid following a group of four suspects in Watford, Hertfordshire.
The unfortunate dog leapt over a set of railings in pursuit of the criminals, without realising there was a 3.5 metre drop on the other side.
Nero “landed badly” according to his handler PC Clive Warncken and broke his neck in two places, allowing the suspects to escape on foot.
The incident happened on Thursday morning at around 2.30am.
PC Warncken said Nero was “injured doing what he loved, serving his community and tracking down baddies”.
The dog is said to be in a stable condition and is being cared for by veterinary surgeons.
Police were searching for four men who threatened, assaulted and robbed a woman walking along Field Road at around 1.45am. She suffered minor injuries and her handbag was stolen.
The suspects were thought to be aged between 18 and 25 according to ITV News.
Police constable Puneet Netar of Hertfordshire Police said of the attack: “I understand this incident may cause some concern in the local community and I would like to reassure people that we are doing all we can to investigate what happened and trace those involved, who are not thought to be from the local area.
“This incident is unusual for Watford and we believe it to be isolated at this stage. Patrols have been increased in the area by way of reassurance and we would urge people to take simple steps to help keep themselves safe while out and about, such as sticking to busy areas and keeping all valuables out of sight.”
The investigation continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments