A TWELVE-week-old Malinois puppy called Kane is the newest wet-nosed recruit to the Cleveland and Durham Constabularies’ Specialist Operations Unit.

He has settled into his new home with trainer, PC Darren Gobie and will stay with him while he continues his training until he is 16 to 18 months-old. He will then be allocated to a dog handler.

Kane joins the 54 dogs already working in the joint Cleveland and Durham Dog Unit.

PC Gobie said: “Kane has settled in well and has been taking training in his stride. He’s already done some tracking and obedience work and is an active dog who chews everything, including stones and soil. I look forward to training him over the next few months.”

Kane was adopted into the unit from Cerberesk Kennels.

Sergeant Shelli Gordon said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kane into the Dog Unit. He’s been making good progress with his training so far and it won’t be long before he’s out on the streets, protecting people from criminals.

“We think that he has a fruitful policing career ahead of him.”