Prestons: Police dog Eddie killed in hit-and-run as manhunt on for truck driver in Sydney

A manhunt is on for a driver after a police dog was killed in a hit-and-run during an operational shift in Sydney.

Police dog Eddie died after being struck by a truck at Prestons, near Liverpool on Tuesday night.

The two-year-old Belgian Malinois was being exercised during an operational shift when he ran onto Jedda Road at about 10.25pm.

Eddie suffered multiple injuries when struck by the truck which failed to stop, and despite being rushed to a vet he died a short time later.

The truck involved, described only as a tipper towing a trailer, was last seen on Jedda Road, Prestons heading toward the M7 motorway.

Police dog Eddie — who was part of the NSW Police Dog breeding program — was accredited as a general purpose police dog in December 2024 and was performing operational duties in the Sydney metropolitan area.

His handler is being supported by his colleagues and the NSW Police Force family.

Commander of the police dog unit, Supt. Julian Griffiths, said the loss of PD Eddie was a devastating blow to his team.

“Police dogs and their handlers have a bond like no other: They live together, they train together, they work hard together.

“Police dogs represent the very best of the Force: General purpose dogs are highly intelligent, highly trained, and motivated to work with their handlers to keep people safe.

“Any loss of a police dog is extremely distressing to our unit, but the loss of Eddie will be felt even more as he has been part of the unit since his birth. I am sure his loss will also be felt by the entire Police family, and the broader community of NSW,” Supt. Griffiths said.

An investigation will be conducted into the circumstances of Eddie’s death. Police are also appealing for any information to assist in locating the truck involved in this incident.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.