Dog found injured at roadside after crash on Cox’s Hill in Lawford sparking police appeal

Police are urging people to come forward with information after a car plunged into a fence on Cox’s Hill in the village shortly before 5.45pm on Saturday.

Officers believe two people inside the car ran away from the scene – despite a dog being found injured by the roadside.

The dog, which is thought to be around seven years old, was later rushed to Hillside Vets in Cattawade.

He is now in a stable condition but has suffered some gum damage and sprained limbs, according to duty vet Marie Beales.

She said: “He is in a stable condition today (Sunday) and looks like he will make a full recovery.

“He had a lucky escape and was brought into us after the accident, but he does not have any fractures fortunately.”

Police said the animal is believed to have been in the car at the time of the crash, and the force is appealing for information relating to the circumstances.

They said the vehicle involved is not thought to have been stolen at this time, but confirmed the occupants ran away from the scene.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring district councillor for the area, said he was “shocked” to hear about the crash.

“It’s just awful to hear that an innocent animal has been hurt in this crash and the people in the car have run away from it,” he said.

“Obviously the circumstances are not entirely clear but if it is so that the dog has been left there they need to take responsibility and hand themselves in to the police.

“It is callous behaviour. I saw the road had been closed for a while and a lot of people have been saying about it today, it is horrible when something like this happens.

He added: “I would urge people to come forward with information so the police can get to the bottom of this.”

Enquiries are ongoing and witnesses, drivers with dashcam footage and anyone with further information are asked to call Harwich Police Station on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.