A DOG-loving family has been left heartbroken after their springer spaniel was killed in a collision with a vehicle in the New Forest.

Six-year-old Poppy was hit by an unknown driver in Milford Road, Lymington. The vehicle sped off from the scene, leaving other motorists to comfort and support the wounded animal.

Despite an off-duty vet rushing the dog to a 24-hour veterinary practice in New Milton, six-year-old Poppy, pictured, died as a result of major internal bleeding.

Owner Kirsty Alexander-Peart is appealing for anyone who can help to tracking down the driver of the vehicle involved on Friday night to contact police.

She says the pain her family is feeling has only been made worse by the actions of the driver on Friday night. who has also not reported the collision to the authorities.

“If the driver had stopped and done the right thing Poppy might have had a slight chance of surviving,” Kirsty said.

“Even if the worst did still happen it would have given us closure and comfort to know this person cared.

She said: “We just feel like there needs to be justice for Poppy. It has traumatised us all. You don’t expect something like this to happen to you. We know accidents happen but we just can’t understand why they drove off and did not report it. Knowing someone is out there having done this is unforgivable.”

Poppy has been in Kirsty’s family since she was born and they still look after her mother and siblings.

The springer spaniel ended up in Milford Road around 6.30pm after escaping from Kirsty’s brother’s house.

Debris from the vehicle was left in the roadside near the turning for Efford Park and the family believe it could be from a van.

Poppy was buried at their home in Pennington and the community has rallied round the family on social media since the fatal incident.

“We can’t thank the public enough for all their support and messages,” Kirsty said.

“They have been really helpful to us and it is comforting to know some people could be so caring.

“If anyone knows anything that could help find who did this we urge them to contact police so we can find the person who did this.

“We are trying to trace CCTV in the roads around where it happened or find someone who might have dashcam footage.”

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the incident had been reported to them and they were investigating.