The German shepherd had protected his handler during knife attack.

Finn, a former police dog who risked his own life to protect his handler, has peacefully passed away in his sleep at the age of 14.

In addition to his celebrated actions as a police dog, Finn was known for his involvement in a campaign to change the law to protect service animals and for showing off his magic skills on Britain’s Got Talent.

During a police chase in October 2016, Finn protected his handler PC Dave Wardell after the robbery suspect they were pursuing attacked them with a hunting knife. Finn received serious wounds to his head and chest, but recovered following surgery and returned to duty.

Mr Wardell has said that Finn’s actions on the night of the attack saved his life. In recognition, the German shepherd was awarded a PDSA Gold Medal.

The incident inspired a campaign to change the law to better protect service animals, which led to Parliament passing the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019, nicknamed Finn’s Law. The legislation makes it harder for those who attack or injure them to claim self-defence.

After retiring from the police force, Finn appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019 alongside Mr Wardell. Impressing the judges with his magic tricks, Finn made it to the final of the competition where he finished fifth in the public vote.

Finn also served as an official ambassador for the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity which supports former police dogs.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Wardell’s wife Gemma wrote: ‘Our beautiful, brave, hero Finn passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.

‘He was so loved by everyone and will be missed incredibly.’

She added: ‘Thank you for your service Finn, now go and rest in peace our sweet boy, until we meet again.’

Images (C) Thin Blue Paw Foundation