Last updated 12:25, Friday, 28 November 2008

A DISTRAUGHT dog owner witnessed her pet being struck down and killed by a hit-and-run driver.

KILLED: Lucy, the dog run down by a hit-and-run driver in Askam

Michelle Irving, from Askam, has spoken out about her horrific ordeal in a bid to track down the driver.

The 35-year-old was walking her Staffordshire terrier Lucy along Duke Street, in Askam, just after midnight last Wednesday when it was hit by a grey or silver car which failed to stop.

Despite urgent veterinary treatment the four-year-old dog did not survive.

Mother-of-one Ms Irving said: “Lucy was very much loved and we all miss her terribly.

“It is like losing a member of the family and the house is empty without her.

“I was walking her along Duke Street and had just begun crossing the road when the car came out of nowhere, speeding along the road.

“I am lucky I wasn’t hit too. I don’t understand how anyone could drive away from that – they were going so fast.

“I am urging anyone who has any information at all which could help police to get in touch.”

Police are appealing for the public’s help to try and trace the driver.

PC Steve Johnson, of Dalton Police Station, said: “This is a tragic incident and Michelle has clearly been left distraught over the death of her dog.

“We are working hard to trace the offender but we need help from the public.

“Were you in the area of Duke Street or the Furness Tavern last Wednesday night and may have seen the incident?

“Does your relative or neighbour have a silver or grey car with damage to the front nearside that they cannot explain?

“I would urge you to get in contact with me on 0845 33 00 247 so we can find the offender and help the family move on from their loss.”