A cop has described a chase after three thugs which led to him and his partner being injured in the East End of Glasgow. 

He opened up about the incident which took place in 2016 as part of a Police Scotland pledge to tackle violence against cops.

The pledge was launched as violence against officers has seen a rise in recent months. 

The handler and his police dog Rudi were chasing after a stolen vehicle with three occupants on March 29, 2016 near London Road. 

But the thugs swapped cars in an attempt to make off from the scene. 

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: 'Terrifying ordeal': Young teen attacked and threatened at knifepoint by three masked thugs

The cop said: "Unbeknownst to myself and Rudi there was a secondary stolen vehicle in wait for these occupants who then got into it and tried to make off.

"As they tried to make off they mounted the kerb and they knocked myself and Rudi down.

"I went over the bonnet but managed to move Rudi just enough out the way so he was only slightly clipped by the car but it still caused injury to him and me."

The cop was treated for back and leg injuries and "some quite bad soft tissue damage". He received a couple of months of physiotherapy before fully recovering. 

Glasgow Times:

Rudi had a badly sprained back leg and required a few weeks to fully recover.

He added: "We both required medical treatment after which I was able to then get some physiotherapy, as was Rudy, in order to try and get back to operation police duties. 

"Abuse, assault, violence, injury - it's not part of our job and will not be tolerated."

READ MORE: Car knocks down lamp post in Paisley after early-morning  crash

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM expressed commitment to reduce the impact of violence and improve the safety of officers and staff in a new pledge. 

He emphasises that violence against officers and staff is utterly unacceptable and should never be seen as simply part of the job. 

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf have both backed the pledge, which also calls on wider society and the public to support policing.

Chief Constable Livingstone said: “I have enormous concern about assaults and attacks on police officers and staff, which are disgracefully on the increase. I utterly reject any suggestion or view that they come with the job.

“This pledge outlines my commitment to reducing the impact violence has on our officers and staff and to introducing measures to improve their safety.

“I am clear that it is the strong bond of trust and confidence forged between policing and our fellow citizens from which we obtain our authority. Your police service will always value that relationship."

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I fully support the Chief Constable’s pledge and I am deeply concerned to hear that reports of violence on officers and staff are on the increase.

“It is simply not acceptable that they should be attacked or abused while going about their daily duty. The men and women of Police Scotland are the frontline in protecting communities and keeping Scotland safe.

“They are the very people who run to help others when it can be dangerous and often witness distressing scenes.

“No-one should face abuse or violence while at work and the courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with those who carry out such appalling behaviour on our officers and staff.”

The pledge and guidance were developed by members of the Your Safety Matters group.