A cruel van driver is being sought by police after throwing a female dog out of a moving vehicle on the M23 near Gatwick.

The female lurcher suffered two broken legs after being thrown from the back of the vehicle, believed to be a van, as it travelled northbound on the M23 between junction 9 and 8, just north of the Gatwick junction, on March 2 at about 4pm.

Another motorist stopped to help the distressed dog and called officers from Surrey Police.

The lurcher was taken to a nearby vet and was treated for her injuries.

The dog, who has been named Jayce, also suffered various road burn injuries.

The charity Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre from Biggin Hill took Jayce in, and covered the £3,000 cost of her surgery.

Surrey Comet:

A spokesperson from the charity said: “Foal Farm were contacted to ask whether we would be able to rescue the dog as the dog would clearly require extensive surgery at a huge cost of approximately £3,000.

“Of course, we said yes immediately and the dog is receiving veterinary care to fix her legs and other injuries.

“As we are a registered charity, a vet bill such as this is crippling for us but our main concern is for the dog’s wellbeing and recovery."

PC Sam Ainsworth, who is investigating, said: “This really is a cruel and distressing incident and I’m appealing for anyone who knows who might be responsible to do the right thing and call us with information so we can bring the offender to justice.”

“I’m sure there must have been other motorists who witnessed the events last Thursday and I would urge them to get in touch.”

If you want to donate to help Jayce, visit their website at foalfarm.org.uk.

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number 45170022317.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.