A Wirral police dog has been praised by officers after catching a man who had broken into a shop.

The incident occurred on Sunday (May 16) after the man raided a store on Borough pavement, in Birkenhead.

The man had stolen a cash box containing cash which was recovered thanks to prompt response from the dog patrol.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Philip Bradford, 36, of Baytree Road, Tranmere was charged with burglary with intent relating to an incident at Fantastic Nails on Borough Pavement at 1.10am on Sunday 16th May.

"He was remanded in custody to appear at Wirral adult remand court this morning."

Dogs from the Cheshire and North Wales Police Alliance Dog section have now been issued with individual collar numbers and ID cards.

The decision to introduce collar numbers was taken following the passing of Finn’s Law in 2019.

This was an initiative which saw PC David Wardell of Hertfordshire Police campaign tirelessly for the better protection of service dogs after his dog, Finn, was stabbed whilst pursuing a suspect. Finn sustained serious stab wounds to his chest and head, but only criminal damage charges could be brought against the attacker.

Finn’s Law was eventually passed through parliament, which means that anyone who causes unnecessary suffering to a service animal whilst in the commission of its duties will be able to be charged under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and will no longer be able to hide behind the defence of fear.

Merseyside Police has not yet followed the lead of their Cheshire and North Wales counterparts by issuing dogs with collar numbers and ID cards.