Police forgot about dog for six days

An investigation is under way today after a dog in the care of Suffolk police almost died after being left without food or water for six days.

Now the county's police force is being investigated by the RSPCA over the incident, which is being blamed on an administrative blunder.

A member of the public brought the stray male border collie-cross to police in Bury St Edmunds on August 16.

The dog was placed in the kennels at the back of the station and escaped. But once recaptured it was put back in its cage and forgotten about.

Police bosses said staff failed to record the animal's return and, as a result, nobody provided the stray with food or water.

Six days passed before the blunder came to light and the dog was found in a poor state of health.