THE sudden death of a former star police dog from Stourbridge has led to an outpouring of charity donations in his memory.

Simon and Michelle Tromans and their five children have been left heartbroken following the unexpected death of retired police canine Logan who was top dog with Devon and Cornwall Police during his working years.

The much-loved German Shepherd, who was adopted by the family from Amblecote after he retired from police duties in the west country three years ago, passed away while on holiday on his former patch in Devon last Thursday (August 28).

Simon Tromans said: "Poetically - he collapsed and died on the decking of our holiday home suddenly."

Logan, who worked until he was eight-and-a-half years old, had been one of Devon and Cornwall Police's top performing police dogs - winning at the force championship trials on numerous occasions.

His skills led to him becoming something of an internet star and when news of his death, at age 11, broke thousands of people took to Twitter to pay tribute to the four-legged former police hero, known as @RDP_Logan, and to express their condolences to his devastated owners.

Mr Tromans said: "On the announcement of his passing - he had 7,000 acknowledgements on Twitter alone. Because of this we decided, whilst it was still raw, to start a JustGiving page in his memory."

Money raised from the online fundraiser https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/logans-legacy will be donated to Pawsome Pensions - an independent organisation which helps retired police and fire dogs.

Mr Tromans said: "Within 12 hours it had reached over £1,000 and it is currently sitting at over £1,700."

He added: "Unfortunately, when police dogs retire the force can no longer support them. If they live with their current handler, a small bursary is granted but that does not go far. However, as in Logan's case, if the retired police dog moves with a civilian family then no help is given."

Pawsome Pensions aims to ensure retired police dogs have a top quality of life in their retirement years by providing help towards their veterinary bills and Mr Tromans said: "Pawsome Pensions rely on selling rubber wristbands, badges, car stickers, pens, lanyards and next year a 2020 calendar - for which Logan did a photo shoot this April on Dawlish Warren beach. Fundraising is hard - so, whilst we are still raw with grief, we can see that 7,000 wishes on Twitter, let alone Facebook and Instagram, is an opportunity for Logan's memory to try and help his friends and successors from the force as they retire and need help."

Among retired police dog Logan's Twitter friends was Fabulous Finn - the brave police dog that came back from the brink; the inspiration behind the campaign for Finn's Law which aims to protect service animals, such as police dogs and horses, from being harmed.

Anyone wishing to boost Logan's legacy to help Pawsome Pensions can make a donation online at the above address.