Canterbury Police dog Lenix has been injured by a man fleeing police after a serious family harm incident.

A police spokesperson said the man who was apprehended by Lenix, became aggressive with a hammer, hitting Lenix in the face and assaulting the police dog handler.

“Lenix has been seen by the vet and cleared of any fractures. Thankfully, after a few days of rest he’ll be back on the beat.”

A 35-year-old man will face multiple charges relating to resisting Police, assaulting Police, injuring a Police dog and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

“Lenix is a bit of a superstar in these parts, he and his handler were recently voted New Zealand’s top trainee Police dog team for the year winning the Overton Cup. We hope you make a speedy recovery Lenix.”