A Hertfordshire fire dog who attended over 400 investigations and found crucial evidence in three murder cases has died.

Herts Advertiser: Herts Fire and Rescue dog CC. Picture: HCC.Herts Fire and Rescue dog CC. Picture: HCC. (Image: Archant)

Herts Fire and Rescue has paid tribute to “big gentle giant” CC, named after his Hatfield-based sponsor Computacenter, who passed away this week.

He worked for the service from 2006 until his retirement in 2013 when Reqs, the current fire investigation dog, stepped into his fire boots.

The helpful hound was trained to sniff out traces of ignitable liquids such as petrol, paraffin and lighter fluid.

Nikki Harvey was CC’s handler, and he continued to live with her after his retirement.

Herts Advertiser: Herts Fire and Rescue dog CC. Picture: HCC.Herts Fire and Rescue dog CC. Picture: HCC. (Image: Archant)

She said he was amazing at his job, but added: “He was far more than that to me. He was my fun-loving tennis ball-mad dog, my big gentle giant, my best friend and loyal companion.

“He will certainly leave a very big void in my life and I’ll miss him so much.”