New police dog recruits are ready for action

Aayla and Murphy have just qualified as drugs, firearms and cash detection dogs

Aayla and Murphy have just qualified as drugs, firearms and cash detection dogs for Greater Manchester Police after six weeks of training.

Ready for action after passing, they will go out and about to busy environments to meet people and other dogs on the streets of Greater Manchester with their new handlers.

Aayla is a 15-month old Springer Spaniel who was born at GMP and bred specifically to be a police dog.

Despite her subdued look, she is a bundle of energy and power and her natural ability to search was shown on her course when she visited venues across Greater Manchester. Her nose has already led her to many successful finds in her training.

She has a bright future ahead and will work with her handler, PC Mark Richardson.

Murphy is a two-year-old Springador (Springer Spaniel cross Labrador) who through no fault of his own, found himself in the care of Spaniel Aid, a charity which helps rehome dogs.

A very clever dog, the charity thought he was best suited to a working role, so he started his working life at GMP.

Over the last few months he has been to places such as Manchester Airport and Piccadilly train station where he has met lots of people.

He has taken everything in his stride and will be working with his handler, PC Rob Kinley.