This is the heartwarming moment a police officer saves Tinkerbell the Chihuahua after the dog and its owner fell off a boat.

Police launched a coastal cruiser to search for the missing pup after being told it had fallen overboard along with its owner at a marina in the city of Sarasota, in the US state of Florida.

Firefighters had earlier pulled Tinkerbell’s owner from the water but could not find any trace of the dog.

Bodycam footage of Tinkerbell’s rescue shows an officer cruising the piers and moorings outside Sarasota Yacht Club.

As he calls out the dog’s name. one officer can be heard saying to himself: “I hope you don’t bite!”

He eventually finds the dog perched miserably by a jetty with cold sea water up to her chest.

The footage shows him talking to the dog before declaring: “Tinkerbell is healthy!”

The officer then gets off the boat and takes Tinkerbell to her ecstatic owners waiting further along the dockside.

Newsflash obtained a statement from the Sarasota Police Department on 21st February, saying: “Safe and sound! Marine Patrol was out on the water Friday night when they were called to assist Sarasota County Emergency Services with a water rescue.

“A man and his dog, a female Chihuahua named Tinkerbell, fell into the water outside the Sarasota Yacht Club.

“Fire Rescue saved the adult man right away.

“Sweet Tinkerbell was in the water for 40 minutes when our officers rescued her.

“Watch until the end for an emotional reunion that will have you reaching for the tissues!

“We are happy to report Tinkerbell is safe and healthy. She has been reunited with her owner, who is grateful to the officers who saved his furry companion.

“When thanked for their quick response and the happy outcome, our officers said, ‘This is just what we do.'”