Abandoned puppies that 'didn't have best start in life' now fighting crime as Durham Police dogs

Life didn't get of to the best of starts for young Jasper and Axel who were left to fend for themselves on the streets when they were just weeks old.

With nothing but a cardboard box for shelter and warmth, 12-week-old Axel was found dumped outside the Salvation Army, in Darlington. Thankfully, the Belgian Malinois pup was rescued after being discovered in the abandoned box and was quickly taken to the vets, before being adopted by a loving new owner.

It was then that young Axel was able to let his mischievous and strong character shine through, making him a perfect candidate for the role of police dog with Durham Constabulary. Axel was soon accepted into the Force's puppy development programme.

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Now, the once abandoned pup is lapping up his new role alongside dog colleagues PD Jasper and PD Dutch, who also took up the role after a difficult start in life. PD Jasper was found abandoned in a sweltering greenhouse at just seven weeks old last summer.

He was rescued by a kind lady in Manchester, who soon realised that the Belgian Malinois was extra special. He had lots of hidden talents that made him an ideal police dog candidate, so he was handed over to Durham Constabulary's puppy development programme at 11 months old.

PD Jasper and PD Axel started their training course alongside PD Dutch, a German Shepherd who came to the unit at 12 months old from one of Durham Constabualry's dog breeders. The trio jumped straight into the ten-week intensive training course and this week were all officially registered as police dogs, passing their final assessments with flying colours.

PD Jasper, now 18 months, is teamed up with PC Dan Cuthbertson, specialising in general purpose policing. PD Axel, now 14 months, has joined forces with PC Paul Cooper and became the Force's youngest licensed police dog.

Last but not least, 14-month-old PD Dutch will now serve with handler, PC Laura Linskey, to hunt out suspects and search for missing people.