A Goodmayes couple have started a petition for speed restrictions after their dog was killed by a hit and run driver.

Pinky and Rak Kumar, of Hazeldene Road, saw their white toy poodle Sammie get killed in front of their eyes last Sunday (5).

Sammie was killed instantly by the impact of the car, which did not stop after the accident despite losing a mud flap.

The couple have set up a tribute page to Sammie and an online petition for speed bumps in the road to prevent further accidents.

Mr Kumar said: “We’ve been saying to the council for years now to sort this road out, the speeding is atrocious.

“Now our dog is gone but it could have been worse. It could have been a child.

“Hopefully the petition with get something done in the community, it could save a life.”

The petition has got around 160 signatures so far. Most are from outside the UK, from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Romania and South Africa.

Speaking of the incident, Mr Kumar, 44, said: “There was a car coming down the road at about 50 or 60mph, he didn’t have a chance.

“The driver could’ve stopped and apologised or helped or something but they just carried on.”

Mr Kumar said Sammie was a “kind, caring and loving dog” who would keep him company while he worked and always knew exactly when Mrs Kumar would arrive home.

“We loved our dog like a child,” Mr Kumar added.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said: “We are very sorry to hear of the incident which resulted in the death of a much loved pet.

“We know that Hazeldene Road is used as a short cut by traffic and just recently we carried out some surveys of speeds and volumes, which indicated that the average speed for most vehicles was around 30mph and that the number of cars in the morning and afternoon peaks was not excessive for the type of road.

“As ever the council is happy to look at the views of local people presented in a petition.”

View the tribute page at www.facebook.com/SammiesTributePageRip, where there is a link to the petition.