NORTHWICH residents have come together to pay tribute to two dogs who were shot dead by police in London.
People gathered at Carey Park on Sunday, in memory of Marshall and Millions, dogs who were killed by Metropolitan Police officers on May 7.
Videos of the incident – in which police are responding to reports of a woman being attacked by a dog in Commercial Road, Tower Hamlets - have been viewed countless times online, and made major headlines after an outpour of anger from campaigners who say the dogs did not need to be shot.
Jennifer Cleverley said she felt ‘heartbroken’ by the events and decided a vigil in Northwich would be a way for the community to come together.
There were 18 people in attendance, some bringing flowers which have been left at Carey Park, and everyone joining in with a minute silence at the start and end, and listening to readings.
Jennifer added: “One of the ladies who attended had been to London for work purposes and had met Louie, Marshall and Millions on the tube.
“She very kindly shared her story with the group of how they were beautiful, well-behaved and happy dogs and how they’re owner, Louie, and his friend were so friendly.
“She could not believe these dogs had been killed in such circumstances.
“We had poems read by different members of the group and music which included a song written especially for Marshall and Millions by Chris Randell called ‘Forever Bound’.
“It was very emotional.”
A statement from Metropolitan Police about Marshall and Millions states the force was called after reports of a woman being attacked by a dog.
Police said she had suffered an injury to her leg during the incident but did not require hospital treatment.
The statement continues: “As part of their enquiries to safeguard the public, local officers supported by specialists from Dog Support Unit and Specialist Firearms Command, spoke to a male in the vicinity who was in possession of the two dogs.
“Following this interaction, which failed to bring the dogs satisfactorily under control, police firearms officers destroyed the two dogs at the scene.
“The owner of the dogs was arrested at the scene. Police taser was discharged. He was taken into custody and was later charged.
“Two public complaints forwarded from the IOPC to the MPS were voluntarily referred back to the IOPC on Wednesday, 10 May.
“The IOPC have launched an independent investigation.
“The officers concerned have been informed. They remain on operational duties.”
A 46-year-old man, of no fixed address, was charged with being the person/owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control (with injury) and being in possession of a dog while disqualified from owning or keeping a dog.
Louie Turnbull has pleaded not guilty to the first offence and guilty to the second offence.
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