A police watchdog has concluded its investigation into an incident in which a police dog attacked a pensioner who later died.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an independent investigation after a German Shepherd savaged 73-year-old Irene Collins in her home on July 16 last year.
And The Gazette can now confirm that the organisation, which oversees the police complaints system, has concluded its inquiries.
A final report is now to be prepared and will be published in due course.
Ms Collins had allowed police into the garden of her home on Penrith Road, Park End, to search for a suspect as part of a drugs operation.
The police dog, which was put down in September, went on to attack her and she suffered arm and leg injuries.
She was taken to Middesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, where she died four days later.
In December, the police officer who was handling the dog was served with a gross misconduct notice by the IPCC and was interviewed under criminal caution as part of the investigation.
He was interviewed in relation to an allegation of failing to control a dog, contrary to the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The IPCC said serving a notice to someone advised them their conduct was being investigated and was not “judgmental in any way”.
An inquest into Mrs Collins’ death was opened and adjourned at Middlesbrough Coroner’s Court on August 6.
The suspect who police had been chasing, Mohammed Zakwan Rashid, 18, of Scarcroft, Leeds, was locked up for almost four years in September after admitting being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, concealing criminal property and dangerous driving.
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