TRIXIE the dog is recovering after being hit by a car at Kennford services on the A38 last week.

Police have ruled out third-hand reports that the black King Charles spaniel had been thrown out of a car on to the busy road.

They have since confirmed that the dog, which suffered suspected broken legs, escaped from its home before being struck by a car in the Marsh Lane area. on September 1.

A spokesman said today: ‘We are satisfied that there has been no case of animal cruelty, or any attempts to steal the dog - and this was simply an accident.

‘The owners of the dog have been located and the dog is now on the road to recovery.

‘We would like to thank the public for their help with this matter and for the concern shown.’