A FAMILY spent a sad Christmas after their puppy was run over and killed by a driver who did not stop.

Tally, a 15-week-old Jack Russell, was hit by a car being driven in a country road near Elmleaze Farm in Keevil.

Owner Sarah Fry, 35, from Trowbridge, was dropping her son Jamie, 13, off at his grandmother’s house on her way to work, just after 9am.

She said: “We got out of the car on the quiet country road, where people normally drive 20mph. The road was covered in mud, so people should be taking more care.

“I let my son out of the car and Tally followed him, she must have smelt something interesting.

“My son then screamed out to me and pointed to the car, he started waving his hands for the car to slow down, but the driver didn’t take any notice and didn’t slow down.

“This is not an exaggeration, the car was going 60mph. It is normally a safe road, but Tally didn’t have a chance. My son has had the worst Christmas because he saw all of this.”

The incident happened on Tuesday, December 23, and Miss Fry believes the vehicle involved was a grey/khaki Land Rover Freelander with a number plate starting LT5. The driver is described as in his late 40s-50s, slim, with dark hair and wearing glasses.

Melksham police are making enquires and urge anyone with any information to come forward.

PC Kane Fulbrook-Smith said: “It’s a disgraceful incident. Everybody has the obligation to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision, even involving a dog.

“We are appealing for the driver to come forward so the incident can be dealt with as it has affected the family, as would the loss of any beloved animal.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Melksham police station or call the police 101 number.