A Met police dog has sadly passed away while on duty.

Six year old PD Xavier Charles, better known as “Stanley”, collapsed on Sunday morning while on duty. 

He had been chasing two moped thieves when he collapsed. The Met believe he died from heart failure. 

Stanley “loved to work” and had a “larger than life character” the force has said. He also competed in the national police dog trials in 2019. 

In a post on Twitter, a spokesperson for the Met Police said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of one of our very own serving dogs whilst on duty.

“Six-year-old PD Xavier Charles, aka ‘Stanley’, was one of the very best police dogs who worked across London as a general purpose and firearms support dog alongside PD Stella, his best friend, & handler PC Williams.

“A larger than life character, Stan loved to work and amassed over 280 results in his shorter than average career & making it to the national police dog trials in 2019.

“In the early hours of Sunday morning whilst chasing down two moped thieves, Stanley collapsed and sadly passed away, believed of heart failure.

“Whilst this is still very raw, we have been asked to share this sad news to not only remember this wonderful, faithful and loyal friend.”

London Retired Police Dogs Trust also tweeted about the news: "One of the best who will be forever missed”.