Nottinghamshire Police have announced the death of Police Dog Rambo following illness

Nottinghamshire Police have announced the death of one of its police dogs.

Rambo, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, fell seriously ill towards the end of last week and passed away over the weekend with his handler at his side, following treatment from a specialist team of vets.

He joined the force from Holland in 2018, and has been partnered with his handler PC James Coupland ever since.

The pair spent hundreds of hours together on patrol and established a reputation as a highly effective crime-fighting team — and became a well-known additions to Channel 4’s Police Interceptors series.

Car thieves, drug dealers and violent criminals were among those to come face-to-face with Rambo, and as recently as last week he ran after and detained two runaway suspects after attempted break-ins in Bulwell.

In October, the dog chased down a runaway driver who had repeatedly reversed into the police vehicle Rambo was riding in, and detained him in the front garden of a house.

On another occasion he bravely stepped up to protect his handler from a hammer-wielding suspect – taking swift and decisive action to disarm and detain the suspect.

Rambo’s handler, PC James Coupland, said: “Rambo was more than just a dog to me. He was my best friend and the greatest colleague to have by my side for many years.

“ I will be forever grateful to him for his company, and for always making sure that we went home safely to our family at the end of each shift.

“He was my greatest challenge but he was always the key figure in our greatest achievements”

Inspector Tim Ringer, said: “Rambo was absolutely everything you could wish for in a police dog. He was brave. He was loyal, and he evidently loved being at work with his handler.

“Together they built a formidable partnership and shared some truly outstanding results.

“As recently as last weekend they were responsible for apprehending two runaway suspects – with one detained by Rambo and the other (wisely) thinking better of making a run for it.

“Sadly, Rambo’s health declined dramatically in recent days. He was taken for immediate vet treatment but was unable to be re-cooperated back to health.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone at dog section and all of those who worked with him.”

Superintendent Louise Clarke, added: “Our police dogs are so much more than a crime-fighting tool; they are an integral part of our officers’ lives and sometimes their families’ lives as well.

“So, it is with much sadness and regret that we share the news of Rambo’s passing today.

“He truly was one of the best and his handler should feel immense pride in the truly outstanding partnership they shared together.”