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Police dog dies after being hit by train while chasing burglars

Jet
Police dog Jet was hit by a train as he tracked burglars. (SWNS)

Officers are mourning the death of a "determined and focused" police dog who was killed when he was hit by a train as he tracked burglars.

Jet, a six-year-old German shepherd, was trying to find suspects connected to a break-in when he ventured on to a stretch of railway line and was hit by a train on Wednesday.

Despite being given emergency vet treatment after the incident in Yate, Gloucestershire, his injuries were too serious and he was put to sleep the following day.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "It is with great sadness that we are announcing the death of one of our police dogs, PD Jet, who was injured following an incident whilst on duty yesterday morning (14 April)."

The force added: "Jet, a six-year-old German shepherd, had been deployed to locate suspected offenders following a report of a burglary at a commercial premises in Yate when he free tracked onto an obscured section of railway line and was struck by a train.

"Sadly, despite receiving emergency treatment over the past 24 hours, his injuries were deemed too severe and the decision was taken to put him to sleep at midday today (Thursday 15 April)."

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The force said the suspects are still outstanding and enquiries are ongoing to find them.

It added: "Since joining us from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in September last year, Jet has had some outstanding successes within Avon and Somerset, including locating wanted and vulnerable persons."

Tactical Support Teams Chief Inspector Jason Shears said: “We are incredibly sad at the loss of PD Jet.

“Jet was a determined and focussed police dog who loved working in the many important roles our dogs perform in, all of which help to keep our communities safe.

"Jet and his handler had a very special bond which was cemented by the months of hard work and training carried out.

"Jet will be missed by all within Avon and Somerset Police."

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