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Medway Norse van runs over cat in Frindsbury - with death caught on security camera

06:00, 24 May 2021

updated: 16:08, 24 May 2021

A cat owner says he has been left 'distraught' after a security camera captured shocking footage of his pet being run over and killed by a van.

Four-year-old Caramel was struck down by the vehicle, operated by Medway Norse, last Monday as she walked on to the road in Church Green, Frindsbury.

Following the collision, the driver of the vehicle continues driving apparently without slowing.

The owner of the British short-hair, Justin Hull, who lives in Frindsbury Road, couldn't believe what he had seen when his neighbour showed him the footage from his Nest security camera.

The 43-year-old said: "When my partner and I saw the footage, we were really distraught by it.

"This soon turned to anger when we noticed the Norse driver had not stopped.

"The actions of the driver are unacceptable for not stopping and having no remorse for his actions.

Justin with his beloved pet Caramel. Picture: Justin Hall
Justin with his beloved pet Caramel. Picture: Justin Hall

"She was only four-years-old and she would have been five in November.

"We have had her since she was eight-weeks-old. It was like losing a family member."

Justin, who lives with his partner Wendy and two sons Jake and Joshua, said the entire family struggled after they heard the tragic news.

"We all suffered when she was killed, seeing the footage was the worst of it, however, the kids did not see the footage for obvious reasons," he added.

"A passer-by witnessed the incident and kindly stopped and placed my deceased pet on the pavement to stop further damage, even though she had passed away."

She was struck by the van in Church Green. Picture: Justin Hall
She was struck by the van in Church Green. Picture: Justin Hall

Partnership director for Medway Norse, Andrew Mann, said the driver of the vehicle was completely unaware he had hit the pet and it was an "unavoidable accident".

He added: "This was an extremely unfortunate incident which we understand must be incredibly distressing for the owner of the cat, and for which we have unreservedly apologised.

"As the footage shows, it was an unavoidable accident that took place on a busy main road, where the driver, sadly, had no chance of avoiding the cat.

"Had the driver known, he would have safely stopped and aided the animal in any way he could. He has also asked for his personal apologies to be shared with the pet owner.

"Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to say how much we regret that an animal was accidentally harmed by our van, and if the owner would like to meet face to face to express his concerns we would be more than happy to arrange that."

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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