A heroic police dog named Fuzz has won an award after taking on an armed robber in Downham.

Fuzz, a seven-year-old long haired German Shepherd was declared top dog at Public Service Animal of the Year awards.

The furry friend was nominated for his bravery after pursuing an armed robber on a moped in Downham.

Hot on the tail of the criminal, Fuzz apprehended the man who then savagely beat Fuzz with a metal bar.

It left the mutt with a nasty cut under his right eye - but Fuzz refused to succumb to his injuries and kept the violent suspect floored until back-up arrived.

Receiving emergency treatment on the scene for his wounds, which included a bad nosebleed, he has since made a full recovery.

The crook was charged with a number of offences, including animal cruelty, after the vicious attack on Fuzz who was five-and-a-half years old at the time.

In his distinguished career as a police dog, Fuzz has pounded the streets of London with his handler PC Craig Calthorpe, helping to sniff out criminals.

He is also a trained firearms dog, and accompanies specialist officers in dangerous incidents where weapons, including knives or firearms, may be involved.

Fuzz has lived with PC Calthorpe since he was seven weeks old, and the officer said: "It was amazing to get nominated, let alone win this prestigious award and it's testament to Fuzz's bravery that he refused to back down even after he was struck, and shows the dedication of our dogs who put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis."

The heroic dog beat off stiff competition to claim his accolade, where Hertz, a German Shorthead Pointer who helped in Camp Bastion, and Albert the horse, the longest-serving horse working for Thames Valley Police, were also nominated.

The winners were declared on November 27, as part of the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards.