Police dog Gimley and his handler PC Tim Yates are a powerful force when patrolling the streets of Bradford – as suspected knife-wielding burglars discovered to their cost.

A terrified resident in the Ravenscliffe area rang police after two men were disturbed while breaking into her home. Her husband had gone to confront them, only to discover they were armed with a knife. The raiders threatened serious violence and then fled into the night.

Luckily, PC Yates and Gimley were in the area and the well-trained police dog went on the hunt after the incident last Tuesday night.

PC Yates noticed two shadows in the garden of a neighbouring property and, despite knowing that the offenders were reportedly armed with a knife and without back-up, he challenged the lurking suspects.

Gimley went about his business and located one, a male, who was arrested after a struggle. A second male was arrested without incident for aggravated burglary.

Both are now on police bail pending further inquiries.

And PC Yates and Gimley were back on the beat in Bradford yesterday.

“Gimley is a very quick, clever dog and very independent. He’s got a good nose and if they are there to find, he’ll find them,” said PC Yates, a dog handler for eight years of his 17 years with West Yorkshire Police.

“Gimley is five-years-old and he’s been with me for a year and we work very well with plenty of success.

“On our very first day he got a hatrick because he found three hiding burglars on three different crime scenes – a bit of a star!” PC Yates said.