Police dog saves handler from shovel-wielding arsonist in Hull

An arrest attempt in Hull, East Yorkshire, last July culminated in a police dog saving his handler from a shovel-wielding arsonist who was trying to burn down his flat to avoid capture. PC Tom Marsden and his partner, PD Yoiko, were part of a deployment converging on an apartment when they encountered a man who had barricaded himself inside a smoke-filled, pitch-black room.

After lighting items in the flat to create chaos, the suspect had blocked the door with a bed frame and smashed windows, leaving the space thick with smoke. He had grown aggressive toward officers, threatening to kill anyone who came near and lashing out.

With visibility near zero, Marsden approached the doorway and issued a final warning: "Come out now otherwise you're going to get bitten by the dog! Come out now, come out now!" The man spat, "I'll f***ing kill your dog!" and attacked him with a large gardening shovel.

Yoiko leapt into the melee, jumping up to intercept the blows and shield Marsden as the pair wrestled the suspect to the floor. Marsden said he feared the shovel could have injured or killed his dog, noting that the room was pitch dark and smoke-filled.

Officers detained the man and he was charged with two counts of assault by beating an emergency worker, arson with intent, common assault, common assault of an emergency worker and affray. The attacker was later sentenced to four years in prison.

For their bravery, Marsden and Yoiko were awarded the Outstanding Bravery Award at the Thin Blue Paw Awards in London.

Marsden described Yoiko as brave and added that the dog earned a post-incident reward: "Yoiko was so brave and did such a great job. He got a double-cheeseburger afterwards."

Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Baker praised the pair, saying, "PC Marsden and PD Yoiko demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in an extremely volatile and dangerous situation. They acted decisively to protect fellow officers, the public and the suspect himself. PD Yoiko's actions that day were instrumental in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion and we commend them both for their bravery and dedication."

The constabulary said it was incredibly proud of the team and noted that the Thin Blue Paw Awards recognize both working and retired police dogs and their handlers for acts of bravery across the UK.

Other winners of the Thin Blue Paw Awards included PC Dan Cuthbertson and PD Louie of Durham Police, recognized for aiding in a high-profile case involving a dangerous drunk driver; the ceremony also included recognition for other dogs and handlers across forces.