They're not fussy what they bite

In giving evidence at the inquest into the killing of Halatau Naitoko, Constable Karl Pennington gave an insight into the world of police dog handlers.

Responding to questions about why he decided against releasing his animal to attack gunman Stephen McDonald, Mr Pennington explained that police dogs could often be an "unguided missile".

A dog and its handler needed to have a clear line of sight to identify an offender, said Mr Pennington.

The dog would normally be held by a leather collar or lead until identity was confirmed.

This was because if the dog could not identify the criminal, it "will go for anything", including civilian bystanders or even other police officers.

While police dogs were trained to bite offenders on the arms, Mr Pennington said, they were "not fussy" and "will take whatever it can get a hold off".