A man whose beloved dog was killed in a hit-and-run just feet away from him and his eight-year-old son is appealing for the driver to come forward.

Hetty, a 12-year-old black labrador, was struck by a large black estate car in Lenham Road, Platts Heath at around 1.45pm on Sunday.

The driver did not stop and continued in the direction of Sandway.

Now her owner is asking the driver to give themselves up, in a bid to get justice for the family’s pet.

Chris Horwood, a guitar teacher, said: “Hetty was still alive after the incident for a couple of minutes. I held her and wrapped her in a blanket and her little tail was still wagging away at me, and then she was gone.

“I have lost our dog and I loved her but it could have been my son that was hit.

“The driver didn’t even attempt to stop. I just want to get justice for Hetty now.”

Anyone who hits a dog is required by law to report the collision to the police under the Road Traffic Act. The same rules apply to hitting a goat, horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep and pig, but controversially do not apply to cats.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “We are aware of this incident and it will be allocated to an officer for investigation. Enquires are ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 14-1381.