A police dog has made his first public appearance today after being stabbed while chasing a suspect.

German Shepherd Finn is making a good recovery three weeks after suffering severe stab wounds to his head and chest.

PC Dave Wardell also sustained an injury to his hand during the incident in Stevenage on October 4.

The police officer and his seven-year-old canine colleague were injured after chasing a suspect following a call that a taxi driver was being robbed at gunpoint.

Since the attack, Finn, who works with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire dog unit, has received toys and treats from strangers.

PC Wardell said: "The outpouring of public support since Finn was injured has been overwhelming.

"My family and I have been touched by the public’s response and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their get well messages and the many gifts that have been sent for Finn. 

"He now has a mounting collection of toys and treats and is enjoying the extra attention.

The officer, who has had Finn since he was a nine-month-old pup, added: "He's a lot brighter than he was and he's starting to get cheeky, so he's starting to get back to his old self.

Finn is currently resting at home and PC Wardell is building his canine partner's fitness with daily exercise.

Since the attack, a campaign and a petition has launched calling for police dogs and horses to be given the same protection as officers in the UK - with the moniker Finn's law, similar to the US Federal Law Enforcement Animal Protection.

The petition has already hit nearly 70,000 signatures.

  • A 16-year-old boy from Lewisham in south-east London has appeared in court and denied causing actual bodily harm to PC Wardell and criminal damage to the dog. He will next appear at youth court in Stevenage on January 5.