MEET Bolt – a new four-legged crime fighter set to strike at the heart of Gloucestershire's criminal underworld.

The 17-month-old Belgian Shepherd dog has completed a gruelling three-month training course and is ready for action.

Like his namesake, he covers the ground at a rate of knots, which is sure to be a useful trait when chasing down burglars.

Handler Sergeant Geoff Blindell said: "I named him Bolt having seen him in action.

"He is like a lightning bolt bursting with energy."

"He gives 100 per cent in training and I'm sure we will be a very successful team."

Bolt joints a team of 16 police dogs in the county who are trained to search for missing people, disarm criminals and also control crowds.

But he enjoys his time off duty too.

Sergeant Blindell added: "Bolt lives at home with me and has become the most popular member of the family.

"We are already a very close team and I love him to bits."