A POLICE chase ended with a four-legged "officer" making the arrest, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard Gary Moss drove off at high speed when a police dog van indicated for him to stop in Oswaldtwistle.

The chase that followed went along Haslingden Old Road and through the centre of Haslingden.

Moss drove through 'No entry' signs and at speeds in excess of 50 mph in built-up areas before heading for the Grane Road.

He travelled for half a mile down a farm track before leaving his car and running across a field towards Holden Wood Reservoir.

The court heard that PC Paul Williams shouted three warnings to Moss before releasing his police dog, Sam.

Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said that in the darkness PC Williams could not see everything that went on but he did see the dog take hold of Moss at least twice.

When he caught up with them, Moss was in the water and Sam was holding his arm.

Moss, 26, of Wilkinson Street, Haslingden, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and refusing to give a sample for analysis.

He was ordered to do 40 hours community punishment, banned for 12 months and ordered to take an extended re-test.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the events of would have a lasting impression on Moss.

"He panicked at the thought of being breathalysed and that panic has cost him dear," said Mr Taylor. "After the police dog was set on him, he was mauled three or four times."