Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 35-year-old man after a police officer was allegedly assaulted and police dog injured in Cranbourne South early Sunday morning (Sep. 18).

Police responded to reports of people seen breaking into vehicles on Edgar Ave about 6.30am.

As the Dog Squad officer approached the scene, he was allegedly assaulted and hit over the head.

A struggle ensued and the Police dog was deployed before the alleged offender was bitten on the leg.

It’s alleged the assailant drove off, dragging the Police dog alongside the car as the dog was still attached to his leg.

The dog let go after the driver tried to close the door on him.

The male leading senior constable was taken to hospital for a check-up and the police dog taken to the vet for treatment.

The vehicle was later found burnt out on Langley Blvd in Lang Lang.

Officers investigating the incident arrested the 35-year-old man at a Kilsyth property on Monday afternoon (Sep. 19).

The man, of no fixed address, was charged with assault police, resist arrest, intentionally cause injury, use prohibited weapon without exemption, attempted theft from motor vehicle, intentional exposure of police officer to risk by driving, disqualified driving and criminal damage by fire.

He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Charges related to injuries sustained by police dog Duke are expected to be laid at a later date.