A police dog would not let go of a woman's leg even when struck by his handler, a jury heard.
Flesh from Kelly White's leg was strewn around after she was bitten by the Rottweiler, Hove Crown Court was told.
The incident happened as about 50 youths were involved in skirmishes with police on the Whitehawk estate in Brighton last April.
Police said they were attacked with missiles including bricks and pieces of wood.
The jury was told that Kelly White, 25, had kicked a police German shepherd dog which was attacking her brother, Ryan White.
Police dog handler Sergeant Gary Dace said he ordered his Rottweiler, Ben, to attack her because he feared for the safety of the other handler, WPC Michele Innes, and her dog Simba.
Onlooker Nigel Freedman, a reporter for The Argus, said Ben would not let go of Kelly White's leg.
He said: "The handler tried to prise the dog's jaws apart, telling it to let go, but was unable to do so. Again the handler commanded it to let go and I saw the handler strike the dog over the muzzle.
"He struck forcefully with his hand. Again, the dog refused to let go. I looked up to see if one of our photographers was on hand to take pictures. When I looked back the dog had let go."
Mr Freedman said Kelly White was then pulled into a house at Colgate Close.
Sgt Dace later told the court that Ben could not hear his commands because of the shouting all around. He was due to be cross-examined today.
Kelly White, of Wiston Close, Brighton, and Ryan White, 23, of Twineham Close, Brighton, deny affray. The trial continues.
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