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Good boy Gunner helps sniff out weapons in park

Kris HollandNorthamptonshire
Northamptonshire Police A brown and white dog stands with a kind expression and open mouth. It is being held on a lead by a police officer, who is only visible from the waist down.Northamptonshire Police
Gunner was rather pleased with himself after helping to find two knives and a screwdriver

A specialist knife detection dog helped recover three weapons during a police operation in a park.

Northamptonshire Police called on the help of Gunner to help remove two folding knives and a screwdriver from the park in Rushden earlier this month.

Gunner is one of a small number of knife detection dogs nationally and is trained to identify a specific scent left on metal objects after contact with human skin.

"By using innovative tactics, it can help to identify and remove dangerous weapons before they are used," said Sgt Leigh Francoise Goodwin.

"This is a capability we would like to use more across Northamptonshire, as every weapon removed from our streets helps make our communities safer."

The operation, funded by Rushden Town Council, was led by officers from the east Northamptonshire neighbourhood policing team.

The force said officers also spoke to residents to tell them how important it was to report information about knife crime.

Northamptonshire Police A police dog handler walks a brown and white dog on a lead on a pathway. Another officer is trailing a few metres behind them.Northamptonshire Police
"We know residents are concerned about knife crime and the impact it can have on local communities," said police

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