Police dog hit by brick thrown by rioter (From Haringey Independent)

Police dog Obi hit by brick thrown by Tottenham rioter

11:00am Monday 15th August 2011 in London Riots 2011 By David Hardiman, Reporter

A POLICE dog handler has paid tribute to his German shepherd that was seriously injured in last week's Tottenham riots.

The Metropolitan Police said that up to 40 dogs were used by officers across the capital each night during the unrest which started in Tottenham and spread across London.

Three-year-old Obi and his handler PC Phil Wells faced up to rioters in Tottenham High Road on August 6, when a brick struck Obi on the head.

After receiving emergency treatment for multiple skull fractures at the Mandeville Veterinary Hospital in Northolt, Obi will now spend months at home recuperating.

PC Wells said: “Obi, like all our dogs, showed incredible bravery in the face of the mass disorder we have seen this week.

“All Met dogs receive the best possible training to help them cope with the most dangerous of situations, but this week has tested them and us to the limit.

“We're now all wishing Obi a speedy and full recovery.”