THOR, a police dog has stepped down after serving four years with North Yorkshire Police.

The six year old German Shepherd, whose duties included helping with arrests, sniffing out suspects, locating property, and helping to find missing and vulnerable people, has been retired on medical grounds, and will enjoy the rest of his life as a pet with a family in Bradford.

PC Martin Gayles, of North Yorkshire’s dog section, said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to work with Thor. He was the first dog I was paired up with when I joined the dog section and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. While I’m gutted to see him retire I’m happy that he will be able to relax and enjoy his retirement with his new family.” His place next to PC Gayles will be taken up by Buzz, a five year old Belgian Malinois.