A POLICE dog handler suffered a broken leg in a 15-foot fall during the pursuit of two suspicious men last night.

North Yorkshire Police were called at just after 7.20pm on Thursday, by a member of the public whose garage had been broken into.

A team of officers followed up reports of "two suspicious males" in Great Smeaton, near Northallerton, at which point the officer was injured.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "During a search of nearby fields an officer from the Dog Support Unit received injuries to his leg whilst crossing difficult terrain near an embankment. He was take to hospital by air ambulance and received treatment for a broken leg."

The North Yorkshire Police Canine Section posted on social media following the incident: "Wishing our colleague PC Gayles a speedy recovery who following a 15ft fall broke his leg last night whilst out tracking.

"A massive thank you to all involved, air ambulance, NPAS Newcastle, Cleveland and Swaledale mountain rescue, not forgetting NYP colleagues who were amazing!"

York Press:

PC Martin Gayles and PD Thor in 2015

PC Martin Gayles has worked as handler for police dog Thor since 2014, and fellow officers have taken to social media to share their sympathies, best wishes and even offered to walk the German shepherd while he was out of action.

Harrogate Police tweeted: "Hoping for a speedy recovery for PC Gayles! Quite a traumatic incident but handled brilliantly by all involved, thank you from the #policefamily."

The police spokeswoman said the search for the two suspicious males continued following PC Gayles' injury, and both men were successfully located.

A 37-year-old man from Darlington was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 24-year-old man from Darlington was also arrested on suspicion of burglary and driving a vehicle while over the drink-drive limit.

Both suspects remain in police custody.

Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12180014385.