Shocking CCTV shows the moment a traffic officer was left seriously injured after being mauled - by a POLICE DOG.<br /><br />The cop was left requiring surgery after being savaged by the out-of-control hound as he was trying to apprehend a suspected car thief.<br /><br />Dramatic footage captured the horror as it unfolded on Leighs Road in Shelfield, Walsall, West Mids., in the early hours of Tuesday (11/4).<br /><br />The officer had been trying to capture the suspect on foot after he abandoned a stolen car near an alleyway following a ten mile car chase from Cannock, Staffs.<br /><br />But when he returned to the vehicle to check for any other passengers he was set upon by a police dog released by its handler.<br /><br />The officer can be seen being dragged to the ground by the mutt before the dog handler and other officers rushed to his aid as the suspect got away.<br /><br />West Midlands Police has now launched an investigation into the matter as their officer remains in hospital.<br /><br />A force spokesperson said: "One of our traffic officers was bitten by a police dog from our West Midlands Police Dog Unit following the pursuit of a stolen car which started in the Cannock area of Staffordshire and ended in Leighs Road, Shelfield.<br /><br />"A stinger was deployed and the vehicle was stopped.<br /><br />"The officer got out of the vehicle to give chase to a man who ran from the car and was bitten.<br /><br />"No arrests were made.<br /><br />"The officer was quickly rushed to hospital where he received treatment for cuts and bites received in the attack.<br /><br />"The officer was taken to hospital after sustaining cuts to his upper left. He underwent surgery and is currently in hospital.<br /><br />"Our Professional Standards Department has been informed of the incident and as with all dog bites, an internal investigation will take place."<br /><br />
