A retired police dog has found a loving home after hundreds of well-wishers offered to take her in.

Police dog Baloo was forced to retire from the force after just two years following a devastating car crash.

The crash happened when Baloo and handler PC Ross Ashcroft were sent out to an incident involving the theft of a motor vehicle in October last year.

Baloo suffered a broken pelvis and one of her front legs was severely broken and later had to be amputated.

Officers said they were overwhelmed by the response after people read about Baloo’s plight.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have received hundreds of requests to give Baloo a loving home and the team will spend the next few days working to find her a suitable home.

“Thank you to everyone for your support.”

A new owner has now been chosen for Baloo.

The former police pooch and PC Ashcroft met Mandy Chapman just after Christmas for the handover.

Mandy tweeted: “She has come to live with me to continue her treatment and have a great retirement.”