Police are on the hunt for a van driver after a child was struck and a dog killed in a hit-and-run in the Scottish Highlands.

The incident happened in Lochaber on the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road between 9.30am and 9.35am on Saturday.

Investigating officers said a white van travelling west struck a dog which was being walked on a lead at the side of the road. The vehicle also made contact with a child.

The animal died at the scene but the child was uninjured, Police Scotland said.

The van – described as possibly a Vauxhall with badly rusted rear doors – failed to stop and turned off onto the nearby A861 immediately after the collision.

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Sergeant Katy Duncan said: “Sadly the dog did not survive its injuries.

“The child was fortunately uninjured, but the consequences of this collision could have been far more severe.

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“We are asking anybody who may have witnessed this incident to contact police.

“Police are also appealing to motorists who were in the area at this time to check any dashcam footage they may have.”

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