A police dog named Kasper has become a hero after throwing himself in front of a bullet meant for his partner during a shootout with a notorious robbery suspect.

Kasper, who is part of the K-9 unit at Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, suffered a gunshot wound to his side but is expected to make a full recovery.

Police said he saved the life of an officer during a shootout in an industrial estate.

Three officers were pinned down as they exchanged fire with Philip Oshea, a 46-year-old man wanted for robbery.

Oshea, who according to the police, was killed in the shootout, had a history of serious crimes and was described as a “dangerous individual”.

He was most recently wanted for the armed robbery of a motel.