Attacked police dog honoured for bravery

A policedog whose skull was battered while on duty during the London riots was honoured with a bravery award today.

Obi suffered shocking injuries during the riots in August when thugs threw bricks, bottles and petrol bombs at him during the civil unrest in Tottenham.

But the three-year-old German shepherd continued to patrol the streets with his handler Pc Phil Wells for two hours -despite having multiple fractures to his skull above his left eye and blood pouring from his nose.

The dog had to be signed off work for several weeks. He was honoured by the International Fund for Animal Welfare at the House of Lords ceremony.

Pc Wells, 30, said it was "humbling" to receive the award. He said that Obi has had the all-clear from the vet and passed his testing, so he's now back to work and fully fit.

He added: "Obi's come to light because of his injury, but there are lots of other dogs and handlers out there doing this every day."