Mojo is top dog as Crufts honours police hero of Manchester Arena bomb attack
A POLICE dog that was among the first on the scene after the Manchester Arena terror attack was honoured with a special award last night.
British Transport Police dog Mojo “worked tirelessly in horrendous and traumatic conditions” to search for explosives with his handler PC Phil Healy on the night of the bombing which killed 22 people in May last year.
The pair were at home when news of the attack broke and rushed to the arena to help clear it of any potential secondary devices and ensure emergency responders could safely reach the victims.
As Mojo was awarded the Crufts Humanitarian Action of the Year Award, PC Healy said: “Mojo was different that night.
“Just like you get to know a colleague I know him and I could tell he was upset at what he saw and he didn’t want to be there.
“Regardless of how much training you do, you are never equipped to walk into what we walked into that night.
“Nevertheless, like the true professional he is, Mojo worked on through the night clearing the area until 7am.”
The eight-year-old collie suffered from stress-related alopecia in the following months.
PC Healy said: “Mojo was quite happy to get on with things; we’ve got a job to do, so we get on with it. We will not be beaten.”
Mojo, who is set to retire next month, was nominated for the award by the National Police Chief’s Council.
PC Healy added: “The award at Crufts is a touching way to end Mojo’s incredible career.”
A two-and-a-half year old whippet called Tease was crowned best in show last night.
The dog beat six other finalists to win the showpiece in Birmingham.
The new champion qualified for the final after winning the Crufts Hound Group title.
Her owner Yvette Short, from Edinburgh, said: “It’s just wonderful.”