Dog handlers from Wiltshire Police have paid their respects to a police dog who was killed while detaining an attempted murder suspect.

Police Dog Zyla, from Leicestershire Police, died on Wednesday, July 3, while on duty at an attempted murder incident at Watermead Park in Leicestershire.

While trying to detain a suspect wanted for attempted murder, Zyla put herself in the face of danger and died at the scene.

A suspect made off from officers before entering the water in Watermead Park.

The police dog became unresponsive after it also entered the water and was taken to a vet where it was confirmed Zyla had died.

Following a continued search of the surrounding area, the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was located in the park and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog’s death remains ongoing.

Paying tribute to the incredible bravery of service dogs like Zyla, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police Dogs Unit said: "Our thoughts are with the handler of Zyla who has been named as the police dog who died on duty this week.

"Rest easy now Zyla. Your bravery will not be forgotten."

Police dog Zyla's bravery is being marked across the nationPolice dog Zyla's bravery is being marked across the nation (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Welfare support is now being provided to Zyla's handler and to officers and staff across the force who have been affected by Zyla's death.

Rob Nixon, chief constable for Leicestershire Police, has described how the police dog “will always be remembered for her bravery and service.”

“Our police dogs are an integral part of Team Leicestershire playing a crucial critical role in some of our most dangerous operations," he added.

“Zyla died in the line of duty and will always be remembered for her bravery, her dedication and her service.

“Yesterday's events are a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with policing and I want to extend a massive thank you to all the officers who assisted during the incident.

"Your bravery and professionalism in the face of such an incident are commendable.

"My thoughts remain with Zyla’s handler and all those who have been impacted. We continue to provide full welfare support to all those in the force who have been affected."

As a mark of respect, the force flag is currently being flown at half mast in Leicestershire, which is a mark of respect carried out by the force when an officer or member of staff has died while in the line of duty.

Officers from the Wiltshire Police dog unit have made it clear that Zyla's death has affected police dog officers from across the county, and all forces will be grieving the loss.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact Leicestershire Police on 101 quoting incident 293 of July 3 or visit www.leics.police.uk.