A SUSPECTED thief required hospital treatment after he was mauled by a police dog.

Officers rushed the man to hospital after he was bitten by Khobi, a German Shepherd from the GMP dog unit.

Police had been responding to reports that a group of men were breaking into HGV's in Trafford Park after midnight on Wednesday, October 10.

Around 12.40am, police began patrolling the industrial area with a specially trained police dog, to help search for the suspects.

The force's dog handler released Khobi in Clarence Avenue, where he immediately set to work following a trail.

Khobi, with a nose for justice, swiftly sniffed out a suspect.

The dog gave chase and apprehended the suspected thief by gripping his arm.

Khobi detained the man and prevented him from escaping, before officers arrived to make the arrest.

A 23-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft.

But Khobi left the suspect with injuries to his arm, and the man had to be taken to hospital by the arresting officers.

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended along with a dog handler and her trusty companion Khobi, who chased one of the males and took a grip of him.

"The male was arrested, however, he needed hospital treatment.

"He has since been released under investigation. Enquiries are ingoing."

GMP declined to comment on the extent of the man's injuries, but confirmed he required treatment for his arm.