Family 'devastated' after taxi driver killed dog and fled from scene in Buckstone Bank, Edinburgh

A family has been left “devastated” ahead of Christmas after a taxi driver ran over their dog and fled the scene.

Laura Kilgallon was out walking eight-year-old Woody at around 8pm on Friday on Buckstone Bank in Edinburgh when tragedy struck.

While crossing a road in a 20 miles per hour zone, the Shitzu was struck by a speeding taxi and went under the wheel.

The driver of the vehicle stopped and said he had passengers, before exiting the scene – leaving Laura alone with Woody who proceeded to die in her arms.

The family has been left “devastated” after losing Woody.

Mother-of-three Laura told STV News: “We were crossing the road and a taxi came out of nowhere, speeding in a 20 mile per hour zone.

“It all happened so fast, but my poor dog went under his car and was right under his wheel.

“The driver came out of the taxi and said he didn’t have a light off, then jumped back in and said he had passengers.

“He left me with my dog in my arms. He then went on to die in my arms which was confirmed at the vets.

“A lovely couple helped me as I was running crying down the road to get home.”

Laura, 40, has revealed the ordeal has broken her family ahead of Christmas; with her twin daughters left unable to eat while her eight-year-old son has been sleeping with the late dog’s collar.

Laura has said this year's Christmas will be — Laura has said this year’s Christmas will be “horrible”.

She added: “My three kids and the rest of the family are devastated. This Christmas is going to be horrible.

“My eight-year-old son has only ever known Woody in his life and is beside himself. My twin daughters can’t even eat as they feel sick.

“My son is sleeping with his collar.”

Laura has now urged the driver to come forward amidst a police investigation after “leaving her family in bits”.

She said: “It has been reported to police. The driver still hasn’t come forward.

“I want him to come forward. He can’t just walk away and carry on with his fair whilst leaving my family in bits. My dog is dead.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report that a vehicle had struck and killed a dog at 8pm on Friday, December 2, 2022 on Buckstone Road, Edinburgh.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”