Herts fire service has a new recruit - step forward Loki.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's new fire investigation dog drafted in as an apprentice to Reqs, one of the UK Fire Service's longest-serving fire investigation dogs, has been named 'Loki'.

After 10 years of faithful service with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Reqs will be winding down his duties once young Loki – named after the famous Marvel character – is fully trained to use his super-human powers to sniff out the causes of fires.

Proud handler, Nikki Harvey, arson liaison officer for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are delighted to welcome Loki into the fire service to continue Reqs' sterling work.

"Despite being only three months old, Loki is already showing enormous potential and is progressing really well in his training.

"I'm sure he'll follow the lead of Reqs, who is held in such high esteem by all who meet him and are fortunate to see him at work, especially children.

"We have every hope that Loki will be another great asset to the fire service, as well as a fantastic role model for the younger members of the community."

Just like his more experienced colleague, beautiful black Labrador Loki underwent a rigorous vetting and selection process, ensuring the right temperament and skills for this highly specialist work.

He is one of only 16 fire investigation dogs in the country who are specially trained to detect ignitable liquids, commonly referred to as accelerants, which include liquids such as petrol, white spirit, and lighter fluid.

During his impressive career in the fire service, Loki's predecessor Reqs has provided evidence from fire scenes resulting in a combined total of over 250 years of imprisonment for convicted offenders, demonstrating the importance of his role to fire investigators and the criminal justice system.

Reqs has not only proved to be an asset to the communities of Hertfordshire but much further afield, assisting other fire and rescue and police services across East Anglia and beyond. During his working life, he has attended in excess of 500 fires.