South Shields man left devastated as dog dies after New Year’s Eve hit and run which left him needing hospital treatment

Alan Scarfidi, 62 from South Shields has paid tribute to his Boxer dog Cooper after he was hit and subsequently had to be put to sleep following a hit and run on New Year’s Eve.

Alan also required a visit to hospital following the incident and he has thanked paramedics for helping him at the roadside.

Unfortunately Cooper’s injuries were just too severe and the difficult decision had to be made to put him to sleep.

Both Alan and Cooper were hit shortly before 5.20pm on December 31 as they were crossing John Reid Road in South Shields.

He said: “I was walking Cooper and our other dog Henry, we crossed the road and the next thing I knew, there was headlights in my face, I didn’t even hear the car approaching or anything.

"I’ve been walking my dogs in that area for around 40 years, I know the road and I didn’t just walk out without checking.

"Cooper got the full blow of the car and as I crawled towards him, the driver just drove off.”

Alan has spoken of the impact of not having the three-year-old Boxer in his life anyone and said that he will be missed.

He added: “He was only three and a half years old and was one of the most loving dogs you could ever meet, there was not one evil bone in his body.

"We can tell that Henry is missing Cooper, he knows that something is wrong as he is not himself at the moment.

"Cooper will definitely be a big miss.”

An appeal on social media for help in tracing the driver has been started and Alan has received over 500 messages from strangers offering their sympathies.

"I just want to thank everyone for their messages and to the paramedics and police for their help”, commented Alan.

"A young lady at the scene was a veterinary nurse and contacted the PDSA for Cooper, it is nice to know there is still nice people in the world.”

A Northumbria Police Spokesperson said: “Shortly before 5.20pm on December 31 we received a report a pedestrian and his dog had been struck by a vehicle on John Reid Road, South Shields.

“It was reported the pedestrian had been crossing the eastbound carriageway when a vehicle collided with him and mounted the curb, before driving off.

“Officers and emergency services attended the scene and the pedestrian, a 62-year-old male was taken to hospital with injuries believed to be minor.

“Enquiries to trace the vehicle remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police using the Tell us Something page on our website quoting log 745 311220.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called at 5.12pm by a passerby who reported a collision between a car and a pedestrian.

"A paramedic crew took one patient to South Tyneside Hospital with suspected leg and back injuries.”

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