Police dog saves handler from shovel-wielding arsonist in Hull; duo awarded for bravery
Humberside Police dog Yoiko and PC Tom Marsden were honored for protecting officers and the public during a smoke-filled confrontation in July, with the pair receiving the Outstanding Bravery Award at London's Thin Blue Paw Awards.
A police dog saved his handler from a shovel-wielding arsonist during a tense arrest in Hull, East Yorkshire, last July, in a confrontation that left the suspect in custody and the dog praised for bravery. PD Yoiko and his handler, PC Tom Marsden, assisted officers attempting to seize a man who had barricaded himself inside a flat, which was pitch-dark and filled with smoke after a series of fires.
The man had set fire to several items to hinder arrest, blocked the door with a bed frame and smashed windows to create chaos. As officers prepared to confront him, the residence remained volatile and dangerous, with the arsonist increasingly aggressive toward responders.
Entering the hallway, Marsden shouted a warning to the occupant to come out or risk being bitten by the dog. The arsonist replied with threats to kill the dog and then attacked Marsden and Yoiko with a large gardening shovel. In the darkness and dense smoke, Yoiko sprang into action to shield his handler, leaping to block the assault as Marsden attempted to restrain the man. Marsden said he narrowly avoided a direct hit on Yoiko when the shovel passed within inches of the dog, and he credited Yoiko with protecting him in a critical moment of the operation. Together they prevented further harm and subdued the suspect, who was subsequently arrested.
The man faced multiple charges, including two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, arson with intent, and related offenses. He received a four-year prison sentence for his actions.
The dog and his handler were later recognised for their bravery at the Thin Blue Paw Awards in London, where they received the Outstanding Bravery Award. Marsden described Yoiko as courageous and said the dog deserved the recognition, noting that Yoiko’s actions helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion. Humberside Police Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Baker praised the pair, saying they demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in an extremely volatile situation. The force said it was incredibly proud of Yoiko and Marsden, highlighting the dangers officers face and the importance of canine partners in public safety.