Bus driver loses trousers in struggle with police dog

A school bus driver lost her trousers and a shoe after a police dog attacked her on her bus in Louisiana.

The police dog escaped from his pen after becoming scared during a heavy thunderstorm in Port Allen, Baton Rouge.

The German shepherd Rip, followed a young schoolgirl onto the bus where it bit the driver on the ankle during a struggle.

Driver Theresa Taylor was left with a 5-inch gash in her left ankle.

Ms Taylor had put herself between the dog and the four students on the bus until the children could escape, it was reported.

"We're very proud of Ms Taylor. She reacted quickly and her actions probably prevented injuries," parish schools Superintendent Beverly Triche said.

Police said: "He (Rip) found a weak spot in the fence. He busted out. I'm sorry it happened. It's my dog. It's my responsibility."

The Sheriff's Office will take care of Taylor's medical bills as well as repairs to the bus, police said. The dog had torn the driver's seat off its pedestal and chewed up some seat covers, Taylor said.

"It all happened very, very quickly," she added.

Rip was taken to a pen at the Baton Rouge Police Department canine unit for observation, according to police.