Dog attack officers face surgery after mauling in Stratford

Three of the police officers seriously injured after they were mauled by a dog in Stratford today are expected to undergo surgery later tonight.

Five officers were attempting to execute an arrest warrant at premises in Albert Square at around 9am when the attack took place.

A dog unit was called to the scene and CO19 specialist firearms command also attended. The ‘pitbull-type’ dog was contained and shot dead.

They were taken to The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

It has also emerged that two detectives were with the officers during the operation.

The visit to the house was part of Operation Big Wing’ which targeted suspects wanted by police or who have failed to show up in court.

Met Police Commander Stephen Watson said this afternoon the officers had “no intelligence” to suggest that a dangerous dog was at the scene.

He said: “We have started a review into all the circumstances of the incident.

“Two of the officers might be described as walking wounded, three suffered injuries which will necessitate surgical operation.

“What our officers have endured is yet another example of the bravery they have shown in protecting members of the public.”

Cmdr Watson would not say whether one of the officers had suffered ‘life changing injuries’ and required a skin graft operation but said all were in good spirits when he visited them earlier today.

A man in his 20s was arrested and is in custody at an east London police station.