A distraught Selhurst family is appealing for help finding the man who tended to their dog after it died in a "hit and run" incident on Friday (September 14).

Marley, a five-year-old chihuahua, ran out of the Barnes family’s front door and across Heavers Meadow at 8.30pm.

Mother-of-four Hayley Barnes found his body on the side of Selhurst Road at 9.30pm wrapped in a red Evening Standard vendor’s shirt.

A resident informed Mrs Barnes that an unknown man tended to the dog following the incident, taking him out of the road to safety.

Mrs Barnes said: “We just want to say thanks.

“Whoever it was didn’t have to do it and I’m so glad he acted to help Marley.

“He tried to protect him and stop him being harmed any longer.

“We’ve had Marley since he was five weeks old. Our house just isn’t the same with him gone. I haven’t slept for three days.”

Your Local Guardian: The shirt Marley was found wrapped inThe shirt Marley was found wrapped in

The loss has been particularly difficult for eight-year-old son Harley, who has autism.

Mrs Barnes said: “We’ve been in pieces since it happened, especially my son Harley.”

“It’s so hard for him to understand. We’d just been away on holiday and now his pet’s gone.”

The family had just returned from a trip to Spain, and were looking forward to seeing Marley, their other dog Kacey and their two cats, who Mrs Barnes’ mother had been taking care of.

An excited Marley bolted from the front door upon their arrival, running across the road onto Heavers Meadow.

Out of sight, he was run over at speed on Selhurst Road.

The family vet said he would have died instantly from his injuries.

Your Local Guardian: MarleyMarley

Hoping to find out more about what happened, Mrs Barnes began handing out leaflets the next day appealing for the identity of the red shirt's owner.

Although she was unable to find anyone who witnessed the collision, a Selhurst Road resident told Mrs Barnes he saw a man of medium height and build wrap up and carry Marley’s body to the roadside.

Mrs Barnes added: “We know nothing can make up for our loss.

“But it would mean a lot just to thank the man who gave Marley that little bit of dignity at the very end.”

If you know anything about the incident contact Mrs Barnes on 07487 791724.