A dog has been killed and a child struck by a van in an apparent hit and run incident in the Highlands.
The animal did not survive its injuries inflicted when it was hit by the vehicle while on a walk with its young owner on the Fort William to Mallaig road at around 9.30am on Saturday, July 8.
The youngster, who was uninjured, was also clipped by the van – described as a white Vauxhall with “badly rusted doors” – before it sped off onto the A861 immediately after the collision.
The boy and his dog were at the side of the road at the time of the crash.
Police have since launched an appeal to trace the driver responsible.
Sergeant Katy Duncan of Fort William Police Station said: “Sadly the dog did not survive its injuries. The child was fortunately uninjured but the consequences of this collision could have been far more severe.
“We are asking anybody who may have witnessed this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1573 of July 8.
“Police are also appealing to motorists who were in the area at this time to check any dashcam footage they may have.”
Sgt Duncan added: “Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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