POLICE dogs shaken after their van was struck in a collision are expected to be soon back on duty after being checked by a vet.

The Northumbria force is appealing for witnesses to the incident in Sunderland, on Sunday, in which two suspects and a police officer were also injured and received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the suspects, a 30-year-old man, was arrested and is in police custody.

It follows a report of dangerous driving made to police from the Hylton Road area, at 10.50am.

Police were deployed to the area after a silver Vauxhall Corsa was reported to be driving on the wrong side of the road and having collided with another vehicle.

Further calls over the manner of driving were made from concerned members of the public in the area.

A search was made with the assistance of the police helicopter and, as officers were responding to the incident, the offending Corsa collided with a police dog vehicle, on Mowbray Road.

The dogs involved were checked over by a vet and were not seriously injured.

A force spokesman said following some ‘tender loving care’ they were being returned to their handlers.

  • Any witnesses, or those who may have dashcam footage, to the incident are asked to contact police on 101, using the reference number 301 30/12/18.