Sadness after pet dog Freya is killed in crash in Lowestoft

Jacqueline and Martin Gowing, from Lowestoft, had headed out on an early afternoon walk to the shops with three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Freya.

Freya, three, was killed after a car crashed into the wall of a shopfront. Picture: The Gowing family (Image: The Gowing family)

Mr Gowing was walking Freya on a lead and was just ahead of Mrs Gowing when they reached the shops at Westwood Avenue around 12.30pm on Wednesday.

But then they said their beloved rescue dog, which they rehomed 10 months ago, was "literally taken away" from them while they enjoyed a walk together.

Mr and Mrs Gowing with a photo of Freya and her dog lead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Recalling the traumatic incident, the Gowings said that after reaching the chemists they heard "this really loud bang" and saw a car had been in collision with another parked car.

But within seconds, after reversing and heading out of the slip road, they said that the vehicle "lost control" and went straight across the path and into the wall of the shop killing Freya instantly and narrowly missing Mr Gowing.

Admitting it was the "most horrific thing" to have witnessed, they said the crash - which was "literally inches away" from hitting Mr Gowing - had "left a massive hole in our lives."

Mr Gowing went round to the front of the vehicle and after checking the driver and tried to resuscitate Freya, but despite doing CPR she had died.

The police and the East of England Ambulance Service arrived, with the female driver - believed to be in her 80s - assessed and given the all clear at the scene.

Mr Gowing said: "We are both just devastated - there are no other words for it.

"I am numb."

The scene of the crash at the shops on Westwood Avenue, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mrs Gowing said: "I am angry.

"Freya was our fourth rescue dog and she came to us as she looked like a miniature version of Dave - our last dog - and her name, Freya, is the same as my granddaughters.

"We've had her not even a year - since February last year - and she was the loveliest of dogs.

"There is a bond between animal and owner.

The scene of the crash at the shops on Westwood Avenue, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We were just going to the shops - this was instant. This is a different situation."

They said that the crash "has devastated our family" but were particularly grateful for the many messages and condolences they've received.

"So much love has been sent to us, and we are thankful," Mrs Gowing said.

Suffolk Constabulary has been contacted for comment.