POLICE have revealed they are probing an incident in Chadwell St Mary following the killing of a young dog which was hit by an unlicenced motorboke rider.

The incident left the family who looked after the animal in deep distress - particularly as they allege the rider of the bike threatened onlookers with a knife before riding off.

The incident was reported on social media by the mother of the dog's owner who said (on Tuesday, 18 August): "Today in Chadwell St Mary my daughter and her boyfriend were exercising Sox, their 12 month old dog, at the playing fields when a scumbag on an unlicencsed motorbike ran her dog over and killed her.

"He then threatened my daughter's boyfriend with a knife before riding off.

"To rub salt into the wound it wasn't enough for the police to attend when the bike was report, it wasn't enough when the biker killed a dog, and still not enough when he threatened someone with a knife.

"I am not sure what the point of Thurrock Police is but it doesn't seem to be law enforcement."

A statement from the police has confirmed the death of the dog and police say they are investigating the rider's actions and have appealed for witnesses to given them more information.

A statement from them says: "We are investigating following an incident where a dog and a moped were in collision.

"It happened in Felicia Way at around 4.05pm on 18 August. Sadly, the dog later died.

"It was also reported threats were made towards the owner of the dog. Our enquiries are ongoing.

"If you have any information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/129212/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."