The police dog stabbed during a series of incidents in Stevenage overnight has just come out of surgery – and the operation is being hailed as a success.

The Comet: PC David Wardell with FinnPC David Wardell with Finn (Image: richard young)

Specialist vets performed the life-saving operation on seven-year-old German shepherd Finn at a vetinary surgery near Hitchin.

Officers were first called to Featherston Road in Stevenage at 10.55pm last night to reports a taxi driver had been robbed at gunpoint.

The driver had driven his cab to the road and picked up a man who threatened him with what police believe was a hand gun.

The driver stopped the car and ran from the scene. The passenger stole cash from the cab and then ran off.

Brave Finn and his handler PC David Wardell were stabbed in Denton Road, Stevenage, around 1.15am as they chased a suspect – after officers received a call from a taxi company relating to reports a driver had been robbed at gunpoint hours earlier.

The pair gave chase but PC Wardell received an injury to his hand, with Finn suffering a wound to his head and chest.

Beds, Cambs and Herts Police Dog Unit confirmed that Finn has just come out of surgery after four hours.

The operation appears to have been a success and he’ll now be closely monitored.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the incidents.