A police dog that had not long transferred from Cornwall has died after being hit by a train while chasing suspected burglars.

Jet, a six-year-old German Shepherd, had been working with Devon and Cornwall Police up until September last year, when he moved to join Avon and Somerset.

Jet, who was previously called Elvis before becoming a police dog, was passed for duty in 2015 after 12 weeks of intensive training and went on to serve at Camborne dog section.

According to a dog section blog at the time, Jet was assigned to handler Amanda Swain, having been walked by Susannah Coffin as a puppy.

He was on duty at an incident on Wednesday morning when tragedy struck.

Avon and Somerset Police said that Jet had been sent out to find suspected offenders following a report of a burglary at a commercial premises in Yate, when he went on to an obscured section of railway line and was hit by a train.

Jet died on duty while chasing suspected burglers. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

Jet died on duty while chasing suspected burglers. Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

Despite receiving emergency treatment over the subsequent 24 hours, his injuries were deemed too severe and the decision was taken to put him to sleep at midday on Thursday.

The force said that since joining Avon and Somerset last September, Jet had seen some "outstanding successes," including finding wanted and vulnerable people.

Chief Inspector Jason Shears, from the tactical support teams, said: “We are incredibly sad at the loss of PD Jet.

“Jet was a determined and focussed police dog who loved working in the many important roles our dogs perform in, all of which help to keep our communities safe.

“Jet and his handler had a very special bond which was cemented by the months of hard work and training carried out. Jet will be missed by all within Avon and Somerset Police."