'He will be spoilt rotten!' West Midlands Police dog who was once attacked with a machete and received bravery award set to retire
Following a successful six-year career as a general purpose and firearms dog, it's time for German Shepherd Stark to enjoy some time with his friends at home.
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During his career, Stark and his handler PC Paul Hopley have been involved in dozens of West Midlands Police investigations and helped carry out hundreds of searches for suspects and firearms.
He was attacked with a machete during an arrest four years ago, which left him needing stitching on either side of his face after the blade narrowly missed his eye.
Dog handler Pc Paul Hopley was on the trail of suspected burglars at 4am back in 2020 when a teenager emerged from his allotment hiding place and lunged at police dog Stark.
Pc Hopley recalled hearing the thud of what he thought was a stick coming down repeatedly on three-year-old Stark’s head.
But as he ran to the dog’s aid it became clear the 16-year-old was armed with a rusty machete and his faithful police partner was bleeding from several cuts.
Pc Hopley rugby-tackled the knifeman to the floor and Stark helped detain him in the allotments off Larch Avenue in Handsworth, Birmingham.
