A POLICE force is believed to be the first in the UK to issue its dogs with safety boots.

Northumbria Police have introduced the footwear for dogs involved in public order situations, when their paws can be at risk of being injured by broken glass and other sharp objects.

The dog handlers are also to be issued with circular dog-handling shields while the force's Public Order Training Unit has ordered tailor-made protection suits for mounted officers.

Public order instructor PC Alex McLeod said: "Public order equipment issued to officers in the dog and mounted sections has previously been the same as used by those in non-specialist roles.

"Because of the nature of their work, it meant specialist officers were not being afforded the same level of protection.

"We are now leading the way when it comes to the safety of officers and our four-legged colleagues."

The footwear is called Bark'N Boots and is made by Canine Spirit, in Hampshire. The boots are available in three sizes, are flexible and have a hard-wearing sole that grips the surface.

PC McLeod said: "As far as we are aware, no other force provides protection for their dogs in this way during public order situations."