A police dog has been killed after being run over pursuing intruders in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside.
The German Shepherd named Ghost was only three years old and was found shortly afterwards on the M6 nearby with traumatic injuries after being hit by a vehicle.
Local police have confirmed no vehicles stopped at the scene where Ghost was found.
Photo Credit: Twitter.com/MerseyPolice
His handler, pictured above with Ghost is said to be “extremely upset” according to police colleagues. The pair had formed a bond and on recent shifts together had helped recover a stolen cash box.
Speaking to the BBC, Inspector Tony Byrne said, “Ghost and his handler were a prolific team and he was a much valued member of our team and will be sorely missed.”
This tragic news comes shortly after a police dog, Finn, was stabbed on duty. In his name a petition to honour police dogs was launched and with more than 100,000 signatures is due to be debated in parliament soon.