Statue planned to honour county's police dogs

A police force is raising money to add a dedicated police dog memorial to its headquarters.

Leicestershire Police and The Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust are redeveloping the memorial garden at the force's Enderby base.

As part of the scheme, an appeal has been made for donations towards a permanent statue to mark "the courage, loyalty and service of the police dogs who have protected our communities".

As well as honouring the "service and sacrifice of police dogs", including PD Zyla who died chasing a suspect at Watermead Country Park, the force said it would give handlers, officers and staff a place to reflect.

A spokesperson said: "Police dogs are more than operational assets.

"They are partners, protectors and often considered family. They search for missing people, track offenders, detect drugs and explosives, and stand beside their handlers in dangerous situations."

Work at the site, which is not open to the public, has included new hard landscaping, planting and soft landscaping, seating and lighting.

The project is due to be completed later this year.

The aim is to create "a place of memory, peace, and of honour" for officers and their families, said Leicestershire Police.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.