A Dunmow woman says she has been left devastated after their dog was run over and killed by a car that did not stop at the scene.

Lisa Wright, 36, of Conifer Way, said her 15-year-old son Josh was walking their dog Ted on a lead with two friends along Newton Hall Chase, near Helena Romanes School, on Tuesday (October 6) at around 5.30pm when a Range Rover struck the animal from behind with its front wheel.

Ted, a three-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier-Chihuahua cross breed, was immediately taken to the vets by Mrs Wright, who was nearby at Great Dunmow Leisure Centre. But the animal was declared dead on arrival at the practice.

Mrs Wright said: “We’re absolutely devastated. The kids are distraught and have been clearly traumatised by the incident. Everyone knew Ted in the town, and he was such a lovely little dog.”

Under Section 170 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act, the law states that persons involved in car accidents with dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and mules must stop and report it to the police within 24 hours.

Tina Hay, of Wheldon Law and specialises in dog law, said: “By law, the driver must stop and, if required to do so, give his name and address and also the name and address of the owner and the identification marks of the vehicle.

“If for any reason the driver does not give his name and address, he must report the accident within 24 hours of the occurrence. The offence carries a maximum six-month custodial sentence or a fine of up to £5,000 and between five to 10 penalty points.”

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Police were contacted at around 6.50pm on October 6 with reports of a road related incident involving a Range Rover and a dog. It was reported that the vehicle had struck the dog near Newton Hall Chase. The dog later died and the matter is under investigation.”