Sniffer dog failed to find plastic explosive in Aintree test

A sniffer dog failed to detect plastic explosives planted during a police test at the Grand National, a security company has confirmed.

G4S said the dog was one of four working to test security at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool last week.

The company said the three others successfully found the Semtex when the test was rerun afterwards, as did the dog who had failed it the first time.

It was replaced by another trained dog, but has since gone back to work.

G4S said the dog had "previously had a very good track record".

A spokesman said: "The dog had passed a number of police assessments, its regular monthly test and a training test earlier that day.

"Dogs play an important role in the overall security measures used to protect the public at events: however, dogs can, very rarely, make mistakes which is why they are only one of the measures we use.

"We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure our dogs are deployed to the best possible effect and are given the chance to assess the dogs prior to deployment."

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Merseyside Police works closely with Aintree management and security companies in the run up to the event and throughout the festival itself to ensure the safety of those attending.

"Merseyside Police does not have responsibility for security at the racecourse but provides supplementary support to Aintree management. As such it is not appropriate to comment on security measures undertaken at the event."