Memorial unveiled to 'valiant' police dog Finn

Police Dog (PD) Finn was stabbed in the line of duty while protecting his handler from an armed suspect

A bronze statue has been unveiled to honour the memory of a police dog who saved his handler's life.

German shepherd Finn suffered near-fatal injuries in 2016 when he confronted an armed suspect in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, while protecting his handler, PC Dave Wardell.

PC Wardell - now retired - was stabbed, but maintained that without Police Dog Finn's intervention, he could have been more seriously wounded.

A Thin Blue Paw Foundation fundraising campaign raised £40,000 in 72 hours to pay for his statue. It was unveiled in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, on Sunday.

Dave Wardell (right) was amazed at how sculptor Suzie Marsh "managed to capture Finn's kind, gentle face as well as the focus behind his eyes".

"It was incredibly humbling when I found out that the foundation wanted to create a memorial in his honour and I was absolutely staggered by the response that the fundraiser had from the public," said Mr Wardell.

"It goes to show how many people were touched by Finn's story."

When his attacker was only charged with criminal damage, Mr Wardell campaigned for Finn's Law, calling for legal protection for service animals.

The legislation was passed in 2019, as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill

Finn recovered from his injuries and continued working briefly, before he retired.

He died in 2023 at the age of 14 and the memorial was unveiled on the second anniversary of his death.

Finn the police dog was badly injured by an armed suspect as he protected his handler

Thin Blue Paw chairman Kieran Stanbridge said Finn captured "the hearts of the nation".

The charity rehabilitates, protects and celebrates both serving and retired police dogs.

Retired police dogs do not receive financial support from the force they served with meaning their ex-handler or new owner has responsibility for their care and vet bills.

The statue's permanent home is Layston Court Gardens in Buntingford

"Finn was one of the most decorated police dogs in our history and not only served his community valiantly and loyally during his career, but put his life on the line to save Dave during a violent and dangerous incident," Mr Stanbridge said.

"We felt he needed to be remembered and honoured appropriately and we're proud to have raised the funds to pay for this beautiful memorial in his memory.

"We also hope it will become a place of reflection and dedication for all police dogs, both past and present."

The 80kg (176lb) sculpture of Finn was created by specialist animal sculptor Suzie Marsh and took 11 months to create.

"I was delighted and honoured to be chosen for this project and feel the result is a fitting memorial to a well-loved, brave and special dog," she said.