Police investigation carries on, but does not relate to hate crime

A CRIMINAL investigation is ongoing despite a children's entertainer withdrawing claims that her dog had been hit with a hammer as part of a homophobic attack, Guernsey Police has confirmed.

In an interview with the Guernsey Press this morning, Detective Inspector Richard Medhurst said officers were still investigating matters surrounding the claims. His comments come after the force confirmed it was no longer looking for anyone in relation to the alleged hate crime.

'We are still conducting a criminal investigation but the matter we are investigating does not relate to a homophobic hate crime,' he said.

Jenny Harding's dog Alice lost her eye as a result of injuries she received last week.

DI Medhurst said it was unclear how Alice received her injuries, but there was no evidence she had been attacked by someone.

There has been public speculation that the dog might have been attacked by an animal.

He added that the dog had been handed over to the police, with Ms Harding's permission, for it to receive further medical treatment.

'There is no evidence to suggest there is someone out there committing homophobic hate crimes,' he said.