Police dog handler `critical` after collision
A police dog handler is in hospital in a critical condition after his marked van was involved in a crash with another vehicle.
A police dog handler is in hospital in a critical condition after his marked van was involved in a crash with another vehicle. The 46-year-old officer is being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary along with the driver of the second vehicle. The other driver, aged 58, was also seriously injured. He is now in a stable condition. The accident occurred on the A90 in Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road at at Auchiries, Longhaven, near Peterhead at 11.50pm on Tuesday (February 28). Firefighters and the Scottish Ambulance Service attended the scene to free the drivers from their vehicles before taking them to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. Inspector Jon Barron said: “Our inquiries into the circumstances of this crash are obviously still at an early stage.” The A90 was closed for several hours following the crash while collision investigators studied the scene and examined both vehicles. It has since reopened. Police Scotland said one of the animals in the van was uninjured in the crash, while the other died. Nine-year-old black Labrador Sam was put down on Friday (March 3) following complications after surgery. Superintendent Steven Irvine said: As a force we care a great deal about our dogs and although it was an extremely difficult decision to make, it was agreed with very heavy hearts this was the best course of action for Sam. Sam was a much-loved and valued member of the Police Scotland family as is the case with all our dogs and he will be sorely missed. We are extremely proud of the fantastic crime-fighter Sam became and will always be grateful to him for the loyalty he showed his handler and the force.