Three arrests after house party in Sunderland threatens to turn violent

At around 4.20am on Saturday, September 5, police received a report that windows had been damaged at a property on Elmwood Avenue in Marley Pots.

It was reported that a party was taking place there and a man known to the occupant had attended to carry out an attack.

Police were called, but two men had made off in a vehicle to try to track the man down; while under the influence of alcohol.

Officers arrived to prevent the incident from escalating further. But while they were there the two men who had driven off returned and began to act aggressively towards them.

PC Lora Smiles and her police dog Raven helped to bring things back under control. The seven-year-old Dutch herder barked and bared his teeth at the men, who quickly backed down and were arrested.

A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assault has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Two men, aged 29 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, but later released with no further action.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison said: “This was a fantastic piece of teamwork between response officers and our fantastic Dog Section.

“It was a volatile situation that had the potential to escalate into serious disorder and violence. But Lora and Raven managed to bring it to a peaceful conclusion.

“Arrests like these show the value of our police dogs, as nobody wants to mess with a massive Dutch herder that is barking in your face.

“Those arrested probably did the right thing by giving themselves up, as I don’t think they wanted to take their chances in a foot race with a police dog.

“Lora would have made sure that Raven got a nice treat. They are a fantastic team who will no doubt have more great results in the future.”

Anyone with information about the incidents can report it online at the Northumbria Police website, quoting log 186 06/09/20.

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