DURHAM Police have announced the sad death of faithful sniffer dog Dexter - only a few months away from his retirement.

On its Twitter feed @DurhamPoliceK9, said : "We're sad to announce that last week PD Dexter had to be put to sleep having been diagnosed with a terminal illness. "He was one month away from being nine years old and only a few more from retirement.

"PD Dexter served from 2010 as a Narcotics, Currency, Firearms & Ammunition search dog."

@@DurhamPolice tweeted: "Some really sad news to report tonight. Goodnight Dexter, thank you for all your hard work over the past 7 years."