A POLICE dog unit has been awarded for their work during the Manchester Arena bombing.

The force's tactical dog unit has received a bravery and achievement honour for their work after the bombing, at the National Police Service Dog Awards.

PC Ian Dale with PD Milo, PC Paul Lowden with PD Meg, PC Andrew Hayfield PD with Ziggy and retired PC Sean O’Callaghan PD with Poppy, was the team on shift at the time of the attack on May 22, 2017.

Officers entered the arena with their dogs to search for any further explosives which may have still been in the building.

Judges said this took enormous courage, as it was uncertain where more bombs might go off.

PC Ian Dale and PC Paul Lowden received a trophy on behalf of the team.

PC Ian Dale said: “It was such an honour to receive this award on behalf of the team.

“It was a difficult night for all involved, and I am just thankful that we were able to do our part to help. To be recognised for that and the work the dogs have done is a privilege, however we will never forget those who have been effected by the events of that night.”

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for the team and we are very proud of them.

“This is a fitting tribute to the difficult work they had to undertake that night in what was unbelievable circumstances.

“The trophy will now take pride of place in Specialist Operations Command Hub as a symbol of their heroic efforts that night, but also to act as a reminder to keep those effected in our thoughts.”