An Essex Police dog handler has been given a final warning after an incident where a man was bitten by a dog while being restrained.

The man was tackled by officers on Southend seafront and sitting on the ground when the incident happened.

It was alleged PC Zhak Burrows used force to restrain the man and his dog had bitten the man, leaving him with minor injuries.

It was further alleged that the force used by PC Burrows, and via the dog, was not proportionate or justified based on the circumstances, that the officer made threats to use unlawful force, and his actions were the result of him losing his temper.

The incident happened on February 28 last year and the allegations were reviewed during a police misconduct hearing held at Chelmsford Civic Centre earlier this month.

It was led by independent legally qualified chair Mr Karimulla Khan.

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Mr Khan ruled that the officer’s use of force was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate but that the officer did not make threats to use unlawful force or lose his temper when dealing with the incident.

PC Burrows’ actions were deemed by Mr Khan to amount to misconduct and PC Burrows was given a final written warning to last for two years.

Deputy Chief Con Andy Prophet said: “We police by consent and our officers are trained to use the minimum level of force required to resolve an incident quickly, efficiently and safely.

“All our officers are accountable for ensuring that if force is used, it is lawful and only applied when absolutely necessary.

“This was not the case in this instance and PC Burrows’ behaviour, fell below the standard expected.”