THREE revellers savaged by a police dog have been awarded tens of thousands of pounds compensation after their ordeal was captured on CCTV.

Helen Tomlinson, 31, Ian Collins and Stephen Bendall, both 40, were all bitten by police dog Jake during a night out in Stockton-on-Tees.

Collins was also beaten with a police baton before all three were cuffed, arrested and charged with affray and threatening behaviour.

In his report, arresting officer David French claimed the trio had been threatening and abusive towards him and he was forced to act after fearing for his safety.

But a tape from the town centre CCTV revealed the trio were innocent bystanders who stumbled upon a scuffle being dealt with by police outside a nightclub.

The video showed the three friends, with their backs to the scene, walking away when PC French allowed Jake the Alsation to grab Ms Tomlinson by the arm, ripping through her leather jacket.

The dog then bit Mr Bendall before repeatedly biting Mr Collins. At one point Mr Collins was hauled to the ground by the dog allowing PC French to beat him with a police baton.

When the video was produced at court the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against the three, who lodged a claim for false arrest, malicious prosecution and assault against Cleveland Police.

Now the force has agreed to pay the two men £17,000 each plus legal fees. Ms Tomlinson, diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, will have her claim settled following the results of tests to assess the psychological impact the mauling caused.

Force spokesman Charlie Westburg said: "We regret that this incident took place."

"The individuals did make a complaint against the police and were happy for it to be resolved locally without the need for it to go to formal discipline. However the handler was given advice."