People of Kingston have given generously after being moved by a vicious attack on a hero police dog and his handler.

German Shepherd Finn is making a good recovery three weeks after suffering severe stab wounds to his head and chest.

PC Dave Wardell also sustained an injury to his hand during the incident in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on October 4.

The police officer and his seven-year-old canine colleague were injured after chasing a suspect following a call that a taxi driver was being robbed at gunpoint.

After Kingston police shared the shocking story on their Facebook page, people started asking about donating gifts to Finn even though he is with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire dog unit and doesn’t work in the local area.

Toys and treats were sent in or dropped off at the police station, with a care package full of goodies for Finn put together and then delivered.

Finn was clearly delighted with the parcel, as can be seen in the video below.

PC Wardell said: “We are overwhelmed by people’s support.

“The fact we don’t actually patrol your area, we’re in Hertfordshire, this level of support and love for Finn is amazing.”

The officer, who has had Finn since he was a nine-month-old pup, said: "He's a lot brighter than he was and he's starting to get cheeky, so he's starting to get back to his old self.

"Finn is an amazing partner. I can't think of anyone or any animal I'd rather work with.

"His enthusiasm every day is second to none and it does rub off on you - he's always raring to go.”

Finn is currently resting at home and PC Wardell is building his canine partner's fitness with daily exercise.

Since the attack, a campaign and a petition has launched calling for police dogs and horses to be given the same protection as officers in the UK - with the moniker Finn's law, similar to the US Federal Law Enforcement Animal Protection.

The petition has already hit nearly 120,000 signatures and could lead to a debate in Parliament.

  • A 16-year-old boy from Lewisham in south-east London has appeared in court and denied causing actual bodily harm to PC Wardell and criminal damage to the dog. He will next appear at youth court in Stevenage on January 5.