A DOG THAT held the record for finding the most home made bombs and weapons in Afghanistan died shortly after his handler was killed in action.

The springer spaniel named Theo, and his owner Lance Corporal Liam Tasker came under fire in Helmand Province on Tuesday.

Tasker was shot dead and it is understood that Theo died from a seizure at the army’s Camp Bastion hours later, reports The Times (subscription).

22-month-old Theo was donated to the army by a member of the public and had been on his first six-month tour of Afghanistan which was extended after he sniffed out 14 weapons and improved explosive devices (IEDs) in his first five months.

Tasker is described by the UK Ministry of Defence as a trainer who had a natural empathy with dogs and was a rising star within the military working dog regiment.

The self-confessed dog lover said recently in an interview with the MOD: “I love my job and working together with Theo. He has great character and never tires. He can’t wait to get out and do his job.”

The Daily Mail reports that Lance Corporal Tasker was the 358th British service killed in Afghanistan whilst Theo was the sixth military hound to die in action in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The dog may now be in line for an animal bravery award from the veterinary charity the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals which has awarded medals to cats, horses, pigeons and dogs for acts of bravery or exceptional duty since 1944.