Loyalty rewarded

A FAITHFUL police dog who has helped to capture hundreds of suspects has been rewarded for his actions.

Atos the eight-year-old German Shepherd has worked with South Yorkshire Police’s PC Carl Tyrrell for five years, and together the pair have tackled more than 300 suspects for offences such as burglary, robbery and violence.

PC Tyrrell and Atos have now been singled out for special attention at The Cutlers’ Company Annual Police Awards and given a prize recognising their exemplary service.

The annual awards are a way of recognising the work of the force both collectively and individually.

This year’s group award went to South Yorkshire’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, which has successfully targeted a violent drugs gang.

Their painstaking work over many months resulted in the dismantling of a large criminal gang with the ring leader sentenced to 23 years and sentences totalling 87 years in jail for his eight associates.

The Master Cutler, Pam Liversidge, said: “I am delighted that the Cutlers’ Company is honouring South Yorkshire’s Police Force again this year.”

“Although the company is more usually associated with industry and manufacturing in the region, we are well aware that a stable and safe environment is important for businesses to thrive and grow.”