Wiltshire Police have paid tribute to a former police dog who died after falling seriously ill overnight.

Rex served with the police under the supervision of his former handler, PC Bob Laurie, for six years before retiring in 2019.

He died on the weekend of Saturday, January 21, aged 10, after he became seriously ill.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Today we are paying tribute to retired police dog Rex who sadly passed away at the weekend after falling seriously ill overnight at the age of 10.

“Rex served with his handler former PC Bob Laurie for six years and retired in late 2019. Thank you for your service, Rex.”

During his time with the force Rex received praise for finding an offender who had hidden in a riverbank after a car chase, during his final year on the job.

At the time the Wiltshire Police dog unit tweeted: “PC Laurie and PD Rex did a great job tracking down an offender following a car pursuit.

“The offender thought hiding in the river bank would stop Rex finding him. Wrong! Nice one Rex”.