An award-winning police dog based in Coventry is retiring today after seven years with his handler.

Tyson will be saying farewell to PC Bill McNamara. The pair have won numerous commendations together.

The 10-year-old German Shephard is now looking forward to a life of canine contentment as a family pet.

PC McNamara, who won Dog Handler of the Year in 1995, has represented West Midlands Police with Tyson and inter-force dog trials across the country.

They have also become celebrities, appearing on Sky TV’s documentary Coppers and in the display team at Crufts.

Tyson has also been put through his paces In Coventry on many occasions at events supporting the RSPCA.

Together the pair arrested a man armed with a knife and a CS gas canister who had gone to ground in a factory.

They also confronted five men following an incident of random violence in the city centre, and despite the offenders running off, managed to track them and bring them to book.

PC McNamara, who does not expect to team up with another dog for a while, said:

“Tyson will be retiring today after an outstanding career as a police dog.

“I am extremely proud of his achievements and it is true to say that his loyalty has saved me and other officers from personal injury during knife attacks on many occasions.”