19-07-2025
PD Bert of Cleveland Police dies after sustaining serious injuries in crash in northern England
A police dog who took part in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been killed after a car crash in northeast England.
PD Bert, a springer spaniel that worked for Cleveland Police in the northeast, was one of two dogs in a canine support vehicle when it collided with a BMW in Hartlepool on Thursday evening, local time.
Both animals were taken to a local vet but due to the severity of PD Bert's injuries, he was put to sleep.
According to Sky News UK, PD Bert had been on the force for 3 ½ years, and in 2022 had been deployed to London to assist in the funeral procession of the late Queen.
At the time, the British National Police Chief's council said it was the largest ever ceremonial police operation in British history.
He also assisted in a search which recovered £250,000 ($514,600).
His handler suffered minor injuries, whilst the other dog was unharmed.
Police allege the 33-year-old man who is suspected of being the BMW driver was drink driving.
He will appear before Teeside Magistrates Court in August.
