Merlin gets certificate (but would have preferred a bone)
A Devon police dog has been honoured at a ceremony in Exeter after tracking down a potentially dangerous offender.
Merlin, along with police constables Ryan Woolacott, and Andi Darbey, were searching for a suspected rapist in East Devon.
The alleged offender's vehicle was found down a dark, disused track, which was barely passable.
In freezing cold night-time conditions the officers searched for the man who had fled on foot across a very remote area in Beer.
Air support was unavailable to help find the man so dog handler PC Darbey and Merlin undertook the pursuit through thick and dense undergrowth and brambles.
Once the man was found PC Wollacott and PC Darbey worked together to take him into custody and secured crucial evidence.
The officers showed significant determination, courage, and bravery in extremely difficult circumstances as they detained the man.
They received certificates in recognition of their work. It's not known how impressed Merlin is about that.
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