An MoD police officer was the other driver in a horrific north-east crash which left a top cop dog handler fighting for his life.
Constable George Shearer was on-duty in a marked police van with his animals when it was involved in a smash on the A90 late on Tuesday night.
The 46-year-old – who has been described as one of the force’s best handlers – was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) to be treated for head injuries. He remains in critical condition.
Last night it emerged the other casualty, who was driving an Astra, was an MoD officer who is said to have been stationed at the nearby St Fergus Gas Terminal.
Police yesterday refused to give details of the 58-year-old’s injuries, however it is understood he is in a stable condition.
An MDP (Ministry of Defence Police) spokesman said: “We are aware that an MDP officer has been involved in a serious road collision on the A90 in Scotland. A Police Scotland accident investigation is under way.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
The MDP is a 2,700-person strong civilian police force which forms part of the Ministry of Defence, but differs from the Military Police and the Royal Military Police.
A spokesman for the Defence Police Federation – which represents the MDP – said: “As this incident is the subject of an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate for the Defence Police Federation to comment, but our thoughts are with all parties involved.”
Peterhead North and Rattray councillor Fiona McRae, who lives near the St Fergus Gas Terminal, said: “The MOD patrol up here frequently. It is a very, very effective patrol. They are a very good extra player in the community.
“It is a very, very important facility and it has to be patrolled.”
The SNP member also expressed her sympathies to both men, adding: “Both of these people involved in the crash will be very experienced drivers by the nature of the work they do.”
The incident happened on the A90 Ellon to Peterhead road on the crest of a hill 600ft from the Auchiries crossroads near Hatton.
The two dogs Mr Shearer was travelling with were taken to a local vet for treatment although both are believed to be okay.
The constable is understood to have been responding to a work-related call at the time of the incident – though police have not given any further details.
The force has also declined to reveal the names or breeds of the dogs.
Mr Shearer has been described as an “excellent, very experienced” dog handler.
A friend of his, who did not wish to be named, has said: “He is very well known and has been extremely successful. He is very highly regarded and just a laid back, great guy.
“As a police officer, he is one of the best.”
He is understood to have joined the police’s dog unit in 2000 and to be one year away from retiring from the force.
Mr Shearer has served on drugs raids and police operations across the north-east.
In February last year he was involved in a raid at a property in Elgin. After officers smashed a door off its hinges with a battering ram, Constable Shearer led his black labrador partner, Sam, into the house for the search.
The canine is trained to trace drugs, cash and firearms. He and Mr Shearer trained together at the Scottish Regional Dog School in Glasgow.
In May 2015 Constable Shearer – alongside fellow dog handler Rob Diver – was recognised with a public service award from Police Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.
