An XL Bully bit a police officer during one of seven dawn raids this morning designed to smash a criminal network.
Zombie knives, Class A drugs and dozens of devices were seized during swoops around the Dover area and further afield, with suspected drug dealers arrested.
Our reporter met officers at a secret location in the town before heading to Mount Road, off Folkestone Road, shortly after 5.30am today.
We watched as police donning riot equipment – some armed with tasers integrated into riot shields to deter dangerous animals – smashed their way through the front door as neighbours still slept.
But as a police officer reached his hand through the window panel an XL Bully bit him.
The officer could be seen lurching back in pain, then checking his hand, protected by a specialist glove, for damage.
On recomposing himself, he gained entry with his colleagues’ help.
XL Bullies are banned in England and Wales unless owners have a valid certificate of exemption.
A 34-year-old man was arrested at the semi-detached house – one of seven suspected members of a drug dealing network arrested amid searches in Dover, Deal, Thanet and Aylesham.
Across the county, officers seized drugs – including suspected heroin, crack cocaine and ecstasy – while zombie knives, cash and at least 25 devices were taken away as sniffer dogs searched the properties.
Six men and a woman, aged between 21 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of various offences and they remain in custody as the four-month investigation continues.
Police bodycam footage released this evening shows officers using a tool on the front door of another Dover address before forcing entry and shouting ‘police’ on entry.
Det Insp Eleanor Miller says the arrests today had a “significant impact” on the ability of the suspected drug dealing network to operate.
“Organised crime networks not only profit from the misery of drug users but their activities are often behind antisocial behaviour and other crimes we see in our towns and communities.
“For this reason, Kent Police will continue to seek out, arrest and bring to justice those who are involved in this activity.
“Anyone dealing drugs in the county should know our officers could be at their front door tomorrow.”
She added: “I believe at one of the addresses a dog confirmed to be an XL Bully did bite an officer.
“The officer is not injured. The dog remains with its owner and it hasn’t been seized as it is a registered pet.”
A 51–year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested in Dover.
Two men, aged 40 and 21, were arrested in Westgate-on-Sea.
A 32-year-old man was arrested in Aylesham while a 63-year-old man was arrested in Elvington.
Police carried out search warrants in Deal and another home in Elvington.
The estimated street value of the drugs or the quantity of cash seized is not yet known.
