A police dog has died following a terrible accident while on duty.

PD Jet was a six-year old German Shepherd who worked with Avon and Somerset Police.

On Wednesday morning (April 14), Jet had been deployed to find suspected offenders following a report of a burglary at a commercial premises in Yate.

The police dog free tracked onto an obscured section of railway line and was hit by a train.

Sadly, despite receiving emergency treatment over the next 24 hours, his injuries were deemed too severe and the decision was taken to put him to sleep at midday on Thursday.

Since joining Avon and Somerset Police from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in September last year, Jet had some outstanding successes, including finding 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.”

The burglary suspects remain outstanding and enquiries to locate them are ongoing.