Dog owner heartbroken after much-loved pet hit by scrambler bike

Maud has several broken bones and will require further veterinary checks to know the full extent of her injuries

A dog owner has said he is heartbroken after his much-loved family pet was hit by a scrambler bike in Londonderry.

The incident happened at about 15:00 GMT on Tuesday at Creggan country park.

The police said the vehicle, which was being ridden by two people, was being driven at high speed throughout the park and struck the poodle as it was being walked along a footpath.

Members of the public came to the aid of Martin Fagan and his pet, Maud, after the driver failed to stop.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Mr Fagan said he cannot believe the "careless actions and complete disregard" of the teenagers who were joy-riding on the scrambler through the park.

"I decided to take Maud for a walk and would usually walk her before heading up to see my daughter for a cup of tea," he said.

Martin said Maud, who has lived with him for two years, is his best friend

"I heard a huge roar of like an engine and I turned around to see what I thought was a motorbike heading towards us at high speeds.

"I had no time to react and all I could do was just see the bike run over Maud with both wheels.

'Best friend'

"After the bike went over her, I just seen her roll for about ten yards because of the momentum the bike - I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

Mr Fagan, who lives alone, said it was really difficult to watch his "best friend" in so much pain.

"I went to pick her up but she was yelping so loudly because of how much pain she was in," he said.

Maud, who has been with Martin for two years, has broken several bones, according to the vet, and will need further tests carried out to know the full extent of her injuries.

Mr Fagan has appealed for those responsible to think about their actions and fears more pets or people could be knocked down.

"They were going full speed oblivious to anyone on the pathway and that particular path is used a lot by mothers and their children, so that that could have been a child they hit," he said.

The police have appealed for anyone who was in the park at the time of the incident to come forward to help them with their inquiries.