Puppy ‘knocked down and killed in e-scooter hit and run’

A dog owner has been left heartbroken after her puppy was reportedly knocked over and killed by an e-scooter being driven by two boys.

Susan Leigh, 63, had taken her nine-month-old Poodle, Rupert, for a walk in Salford, Greater Manchester, and had stopped at a bench near Walkden High School so Rupert could enjoy a quick drink.

Ms Leigh claims at this point an e-scooter came speeding towards them at a speed of “at least 20mph” and the wheels went over Rupert, leaving him motionless on the ground.

She claims the two youths glanced over, but didn't stop to help her.

Efforts were made to revive Rupert, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Describing the events, Ms Leigh told the Manchester Evening News: "I had stopped to give Rupert a drink of water and he was chewing on a stick as he loved to do.

“He spotted the scooter before me as it didn't make a noise. The next thing he just shot from his feet and went to the centre of the bike and the bike wheel went over him.

"There were two lads on the bike. They must have been going at least 20mph. They looked around to see what they had hit and then just drove off. They never bothered to come back and check.”

Ms Leigh’s neighbour, Cheryl, said the "happy" and "friendly" puppy had helped Ms Leigh, who lives by herself, “something to live for”.

Describing an ongoing issue with youngsters on e-scooters using paths in the area illegitimately in recent weeks, Cheryl added: “They are down there all the time at the moment.

“They are not allowed there. It’s a walk way which cyclists can use but they have to give notice with their bell but any motor vehicle is no allowed on there."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the incident was reported to them on 19 May and that enquiries were “ongoing”.

Anyone with information is urged to report it online or via LiveChat on the GMP website.