Cheshire Police have welcomed two new four-legged crimefighters to the team.

Although still yet to attend their official training, 19-week old Malinois puppies Vinny and Nora are settling into life in the force with their new handlers.

The pair were donated to the constabulary by Cheshire Dogs Home after their mum arrived as a pregnant stray. The home took her and nursed her as she birthed the litter.

Inspector Nick Bamber said: "There is a lot of background work that goes into adopting puppies to welcome into the dog unit, ensuring that the welfare of the dogs is looked after, and that they are right for the constabulary.

"When we were given the opportunity to adopt these two puppies, of course we jumped at the chance.

"Cheshire Dogs Home does an amazing job at looking after the dogs that find themselves in their care, so we knew their health wouldn't be a question. On meeting them, it was clear these two stand every chance of becoming successful police dogs.

"Vinny and Nora have now settled in with their handlers, particularly Nora who is getting on perfectly with her handler's other police dog, Conan.

"The duo will be closely monitored as they grow, ensuring that remaining as a police dog is what is right for them, and when the time is right, they will enter full PD training before eventually becoming deployable.

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"I'd like to thank Cheshire Dog's Home for raising them and doing such a good job of looking after them until they have come over to ourselves."

With Chief Constable Mark Roberts approaching his retirement, he was given the opportunity to name one of the pups, choosing Vinny.

His sister has been named Nora in tribute to the first-ever police dog to the constabulary, back in 1951.

Vinny and Nora will now begin a detailed puppy development programme led by the force's dog unit instructors with the support of our experienced kennel hands and their handlers, PC Alice Jones and PC Matt Richards.

The aim is for the pair to be assessed for operational deployment in late 2027.