THE family of a York policeman who died last month has given a new police puppy to his colleagues in his memory.

PC Keith Pattison, 56, suffered head injuries after falling from the loft in his house and later died in hospital.

In his memory, his family have given North Yorkshire Police a ten-week old German Shepherd pup, who they have named “Patto” and who will eventually become a general purpose police dog helping to sniff out suspects and search for missing people.

Keith’s daughter, Katie Pattison, said: “My dad loved dogs and had a special interest in the force’s dog section.

“Although he never became a dog handler, I know he always thought about it, but it was never the right time. Police dog Patto is a fitting tribute to him and will ensure his memory lives on in North Yorkshire Police.”

Patto currently lives with a puppy walker who will get him used to many situations, including socialising with people and other animals, busy traffic, crowds of people and loud noises. He will later be teamed up with a dog handler or instructor who will train him in the basics needed to become a police dog at six or eight months old.

At about 14 to 18 months, Patto and his handler will attend a13-week training course together and will then be licensed to work together as a team.

Sgt Simon Whitby, who heads the force’s dog section, welcomed Patto to his team.

He said: “Keith’s death has saddened us all and having PD Patto on the team is a wonderful way to ensure that his memory lives on, and the Pattison name continues to help keep the communities of York and North Yorkshire safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “Our thanks go to Keith’s family for their extremely generous donation. Keith was a popular and dedicated officer and I can’t think of a better way to remember him by.”

PC Pattison, who leaves two children Ben and Katie and a grandson Finley, joined North Yorkshire Police in 1990, spending the majority of his service working in the Selby district as a uniformed constable in Tadcaster and Selby. More recently, Keith joined the help desk as part of the force control room.