Police dog 'will never be forgotten' after death

A "loyal" and "cheeky" police dog will "never be forgotten" after his death, his former handler said.

RPD Ellis died at his home aged 10 on Tuesday, West Midlands Police said, with a spokesperson adding the force was "heartbroken" at his passing.

He had retired in 2022 and was living with his former handler, PC Gez Cotter, who posted his own tribute on X.

"You kept me safe and brought me home at the end of every shift," he posted.

"Rest easy my beautiful lad until we meet again , I will miss you but you will never be forgotten."

The force's dog welfare charity Hero Paws posted the tribute online on behalf of PC Cotter, who retired this week after 36 years with the force.

H said he woke up to what "every dog handler dreads" after finding his "ever present and loyal friend" had died overnight.

PC Cotter said the black German shepherd was a "real character" with a "kind heart" and "cheeky nature".

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