Dachshund dies after being hit by car near beach

Sussex Police said the dog was taken to the vets but died from its injuries after it was struck on Hove Lawns

Police are appealing for witnesses after a dog was hit and killed by a driver.

The dachshund died from its injuries after the incident close to The Lawns Cafe on Hove Lawns on Friday.

Sussex Police said an unregistered and uninsured blue BMW 1 Series had been seized nearby in connection with the collision, which happened shortly after midday.

The force said the vehicle's driver had not been found.

It said the car was found unattended on the lawns, a grassy area near a pedestrianised promenade in the East Sussex town.

Insp Alexandra Bailey said: “We understand the significant distress this incident has caused to the dog’s owners – and the wider public – and our enquiries to identify the driver of the vehicle are ongoing.

“We know there were a large number of people in the area around that time, and we’re urging anyone who can assist in our investigation to please come forward.”