A POLICE officer has been acquitted on carrying out a racially motivated attack after his dog bit a traveller at an illegal gypsy site.

PC Paul Birch, 50, was accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to 37-year-old Andrew Cash.

Prosecutors claimed the attack was racially motivated after Birch used the word "gypo" as he called for back-up on his way to the scene.

However, the jury at his trial were told to return a not guilty verdict on the basis there was not enough evidence to convict the West Midlands Police officer.

The direction from the judge came on the third day of Birch's trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Jurors had been told how officers had been responding to a report of roof tiles being stolen from North Worcestershire Golf Course on September 4, 2017.

Around 30 travellers had set up camp at the venue in Northfield, Birmingham, and police arrived to find Mr Cash and his wife Bernadette being abusive to members of the public.

The court heard the couple were threatening to "cut the throats" of bystanders and calling young girls "whores."

Mrs Cash resisted arrest while her husband stood in front of the police and looked "like he was about to elbow an officer."

Mr and Mrs Cash later admitted obstructing a police officer but Birch was also hauled before a court after his animal bit Mr Cash on the leg.

The unemployed Irish traveller had claimed Birch had a "look of evilness in his eyes" as the dog attacked and he was dragged for several metres while he "begged for mercy."

Birch, of Birmingham, denied the offence and was cleared of the charge.