Torpoint crash: Missing dog search has 'amazing' response
Torpoint crash: Missing dog Barney found safe and well
(about 3 hours later)
The family of a pensioner killed in a road accident are "touched" at the "amazing" response to find her injured missing dog, police said.
A dog injured in a car crash has been found safe and well after what police called an "amazing response" to an appeal on social media.
Pedestrian Jennifer Lowden, 72, was treated by air ambulance paramedics in Torpoint, Cornwall on Monday but died a short time later.
Barney's owner Jennifer Lowden, 72, died after an accident involving a car in Torpoint while she was out walking him on Monday.
Officers confirmed Barney was hurt in the accident before running off.
The Cockapoo fled after being hurt but was found in the town on Wednesday afternoon "weather-beaten" with a cut.
More than 70,000 people responded to a post on the Devon and Cornwall Police Facebook page appealing to find him.
More than 70,000 people had responded to a police appeal to find him.
The post had been shared by more than 1,600 people by Wednesday lunchtime and a charity, DogLost, arranged searches.
PC Darren Maynard, a family liaison officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, said Barney was found by a local woman at Home Farm, Wilcove, and that Ms Lowden's family were "over the moon, happy but sad".
Dozens of people have also been going out to search for Barney.
Updates on this story and more from Cornwall
PC Darren Maynard, a family liaison officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force had been "inundated" with concerned calls from the public.
The police's social media post had been shared by more than 1,600 people by Wednesday lunchtime and a charity, DogLost, arranged searches.
"The family are quite touched about the response they've received trying to find poor old Barney," he said.
Dozens of people also went out to search for Barney.
"They've lost their mother and mum's dog was their pride and joy really."
He said there had been several sightings.
"The local neighbourhood teams are doing their best and responding to sightings," PC Maynard added.
Maxine Young, from DogLost, said she was concerned some people trying to help may do more harm than good.
"If a lot of people go to the area and start calling his name, he will get very frightened and run off," she said.
She said anyone wanting to help find Barney should "get low to the ground" if they saw him and not make eye contact.
She added they should try to coax him towards them using "smelly treats, some chicken or sardines".
After the crash, a 72-year-old driver was interviewed but not arrested.
After the crash, a 72-year-old driver was interviewed but not arrested.
