Five people are currently at the hospital being treated for non-life threatening injuries after being attacked. Two dogs are also at the vet, with one having serious injuries.
The “Staffordshire” was shot after the States’ Vet attended and said it was the best course of action to prevent further risk to members of the public and first responders, including those close by in the children’s playground. Because of this advice from the Vet, officers were authorised to “dispatch the dog and neutralise the threat it posed”.
A Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said: “We are establishing the circumstances around how the dog came to be attacking people in the park. We are liaising with the owner of the Staffordshire, and anyone with information is asked to contact us on 725111.
“We would like to commend the brave actions of the public who intervened by restraining the dog as emergency services were en route – their actions undoubtedly prevented further injury.”
Officers first arrived on the scene just after midday, when a number of 999 calls were received reporting a “loose and dangerous dog”. Because of the threat described, armed officers were deployed.
Upon arrival officers took over from the members of the public in containing the Staffordshire – but it was still behaving in an “extremely aggressive manner and presenting an ongoing risk”.
There will be a police presence within the vicinity of the park this afternoon.
More to come…
Pictured top: The incident happened at Saumarez Park.