A quad bike rider ran over and fractured a dog’s pelvis.

The incident took place at 4.20pm on New Year’s Day between Hillhouse shopping parade and Maynard Court in Waltham Abbey.

The quadbike mounted the pavement and struck the bichon frise and its 74-year-old owner.

Investigating officer PC Carlo Marchione said: “This was cruel and disgusting behaviour against a harmless animal,

“The dog could quite easily have been killed. She has been left with a fractured pelvis and is currently being cared for by vets.

“It’s also very fortunate that the owner and other pedestrians were not injured as a result of this reckless driver.”

The rider is described as a white man, about 5ft 9ins tall, with short dark hair, slim build and wearing dark clothing.

A pillion passenger was also on the bike at the time of the incident.

It was not displaying any number plates.

Anyone with information should call PC Marchione at the Loughton local policing team on 101.