More than £30,000 has been raised to construct a statue in memory of a retired police dog who "touched the heart of a nation".

It was announced on Saturday (August 29) that Finn had sadly passed away at the age of 14, following an illustrious career.

In 2016, he was stabbed in the the head and chest in Stevenage, while protecting his handler PC Dave Wardell.

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At the time, his attacker could only be charged with criminal damage.

This sparked "Finn’s Law", a bill giving greater protection for all service animals.

The Comet: The attack on Finn sparked Finn's Law.The attack on Finn sparked Finn's Law. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

In honour of his life, the Thin Blue Paw Foundation - which supports serving and retired police dogs - aims to erect a memorial statue.

A JustGiving page has now raised £31,114 of its £40,000 target.

                                                                                            

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The page states: "Further details regarding the memorial will be released over the coming months, all funds raised will go towards the creation and build of the memorial in memory of Retired Police Dog Finn.

The Comet: Finn and his handler once appeared on Britain's Got Talent.Finn and his handler once appeared on Britain's Got Talent. (Image: ITV)

"Any funds raised over the total fundraising figure, will be ring fenced by the board of trustees, and will be allocated towards the charities objective of supporting serving and retired police dogs from across the United Kingdom."

Many tributes have been paid to Finn following his death at the weekend.

Hertfordshire Constabulary's chief constable Charlie Hall said: "The bravery of Police Dog Finn touched the hearts of the nation and we will remember him with warm affection.

The Comet: Finn won many awards for his bravery.Finn won many awards for his bravery. (Image: Tim Anderson)

"PD Finn also became the symbol of a national campaign that led to a successful change in legislation which has now made it a criminal offence to injure a service animal.

"This is a great legacy and reflects on the positive impact PD Finn had on so many people."

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation added: "You will forever be a hero.

"You protected your best friend from harm, and changed the law, so those that follow in your paws are protected whilst serving their country."

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rpd-finn