Education chiefs fighting to protect former school buildings are employing a new weapon in their battle - patrolling police dogs.

In the run up to the summer holidays, when they fear school-aged attackers may strike, police dog handlers are being encouraged to exercise their dogs on redundant school fields.

The move is designed to supplement security patrols at the empty school buildings, some of which have been ravaged by vandals and arsonists.

Police, fire, and education chiefs have urged youngsters to steer clear of derelict sites such as Eccleshill Upper School, branding them potential death-traps for trespassers.

Firefighters recently came under attack from stone-throwing youths as they tackled a blaze there. Other buildings - emptied under Bradford's education restructuring - have suffered a strings of arson attacks.

School bosses are particularly worried because demolition work has begun on some crumbling structures, making them even more unsafe.

Police today confirmed that, following an agreement with Bradford Council, officers would regularly "patrol" dogs at the sites as an extra deterrent to intruders.

Superintendent Mark Whyman, of Bradford North Police, said the arrangement would provide dual benefits.

"Firstly, these working dogs need to be trained and exercised on a regular basis."

He said the school fields would provide a convenient alternative to the usual spots they used.

And he added: "If there are youngsters by these fields who are thinking of trespassing on them, the dog and its handler should act as an effective deterrent."

Supt Whyman stressed that the officer - and if necessary the dog - would take action against those trespassing or causing trouble.

A spokesman for Bradford Council's education department said the dog patrols would support its own measures.

"We have security arrangements in place with a private security firm which will continue over the summer," he said.

He added: "Out of the 25 empty schools, 23 are covered by security van patrols and two by 24-hour cover."

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