Meet Merckx, the police dog who will replace executed Bruce.

Handler PC Pete Tattum has renamed his new partner after Belgian cycling hero and Tour de France champion Eddy Merckx, whose nickname was The Cannibal.

The pair were spotted making their first visit to Brighton's police headquarters in John Street.

Two-year-old Merckx bounced out of the back of PC Tattum's white van and walked through the front door, his tail wagging with excitement.

PC Tattum grinned, looking a million miles from the sobbing officer who left in tears just days earlier after Bruce was put to sleep.

Bruce failed a safety test after biting off part of the ear of a 14-year-old boy on a Saturday night at the beginning of April.

Merckx was introduced to senior officers as he began to be familiarised with his new territory during the 40-minute tour of the station.

The duo have completed the first week of a 12-week training course at Surrey Police's Mount Browne HQ and Merckx is now settling in at the officer's Seaford home.

PC Tattum's wife Kay said: "He's a lovely dog and very friendly but he's still quite nervous. Pete thinks if he can build up his confidence he will make a really good partner."

She added: "I don't think Pete's aware of the cyclist's nickname, although he does know a lot of strange facts."

The family have been inundated with letters from animal lovers shocked by Sussex Police's decision to put Bruce down.

An appeal in The Argus to raise money for a memorial to Bruce raised £377 in its first few days and donations are still coming in.

Many of the cheques, notes and postal orders have been accompanied by short messages, showing how deeply his story touched people of all ages across the county.

Patricia Furn, who lives in Peacehaven, said: "Bruce was a faithful, loving Shepherd whose life was sadly taken from him. My sincere commiserations go to PC Tattum and his family."

Frank Brown, from Ditchling, said: "Sadly this money won't bring Bruce back but it may go towards showing we are not all inhuman. What a reward for loyalty and bravery in the course of duty."

Jo Adams, from Brighton, said: "He was done a terrible injustice by someone who should have known better."

Helen Fuller, from Brighton, said: "Bruce and what he stood for must never be forgotten."

A charity which has supplied dogs to Sussex Police for more than 25 years has refused to hand over any more animals.

Two animals from German shepherd rescue group Vigil, Rommel and Lynx, are currently operational with the force dog team. It has offered them first refusal on about six dogs every year.

However, the charity has stopped supplying the force and is warning other rescue centres and breeders to do likewise.

Founder Margaret Lessiter, who set up the organisation in 1984 and lives in Billingshurst, said: "The decision to kill Bruce was made in panic and taken to be seen to be politically correct.

"We can no longer support a force which acts in this way towards the animals we supply."

PC Tattum's family have Bruce's ashes but have been too upset to carry out a burial.

Kay said: "Pete has been away doing his course so we haven't had a chance yet. It's something we're going to talk about."

Contributions to the fund for Bruce can be sent to: Bruce Fund, The Argus, Argus House, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR.