A long-serving police dog who assisted in more than 50 arrests has died.

Spaniel Brewster was the oldest dog in the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit.

He died of a short illness aged 15.

The brave police dog retired last year after ten eventful years in the job, which saw him help seize drugs, cash and weapons from around the county.

Watford Observer:

The superhound originally came from North Yorkshire where his owners decided to gift him to the police after realising he had too much energy for them.

Within three weeks of taking Brewster on, the naturally inquisitive canine was fully trained and licensed as a drugs, cash and weapons detection dog.

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The springer spaniel, who had two different coloured eyes, began active service in August 2005.

Brewster’s specialist nose, which was trained to detect various types of drugs in vehicles, buildings and open spaces, was utilised at a number of incidents and warrants over the years.

Among his recent finds, the hound detected items suspected to be cannabis in Watford last year leading to a number of arrests.

Watford Observer:

Brewster also took part in multi-agency operations at service stations on key roads including the M1 and M25, playing his part in stopping the transport of illegal drugs and cash.

Since he retired, Brewster enjoyed many holidays and trips to the seaside with his handler Dave and his partner.

PC Pert said: “We are so grateful that Brewster came into our lives.

"He was truly a legendary dog, renowned across the three counties for his incredible nose. Indeed, officers were still requesting his services long after he retired!

“He was a brilliant asset to the unit and I am glad he had time with us to enjoy his retirement.

"He loved coming away with us in the caravan and he particularly enjoyed people watching – he was a very sociable dog with a great temperament.

“Thankfully his illness was brief, but we will miss him terribly as he was a huge part of our lives.”