This is the memorial our readers bought for Bruce the police dog, who was put down after biting a boy's ear.

PC Pete Tattum has said a final farewell to Bruce, who was destroyed despite a huge public protest.

Readers of The Argus donated more than £600 for a Bruce memorial and PC Tattum placed the plaque above where his dog's ashes lie at his home in Seaford.

It carries a simple inscription: Bruce. My partner. My Friend. 1996 - 2002.

PC Tattum said: "The response from the public was overwhelming. It helped me and my family bear the pain of losing Bruce.

"He was such a special dog and we shall never forget him."

The police force put Bruce down after he bit off part of a teenager's ear after a brawl in Brighton involving youngsters, some armed with knives and bottles.

The decision caused uproar and hundreds of readers complained Bruce was only doing his job and should have been retired.

Protests to Sussex Police came from all over the world, including the United States and Canada.

Sussex Police stood by its decision but Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo apologised for upsetting people when he described Bruce as "a piece of equipment".

He said Bruce failed a safety test and destroying him was regrettably the only safe option.

The remainder of the £600 raised by Argus readers will be donated to the National Canine Defence League.

Meanwhile, PC Tattum continues his search for a replacement for Bruce.

Two other German shepherds have failed training tests and have been returned to their owners.

Merckx went back because he was too soft and wanted to be cuddled all the time and Ben was rejected when it was discovered he was claustrophobic.