A DOG owner died of a heart attack a day after youths riding mini motorbikes down a track crashed into her beloved pet dog.

Trish Carter, a care worker of Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire was walking her pet West Highland Terrier Jack when the tragedy occurred on the night of Wednesday November 9th.

Two youths on mini motorbikes were allegedly tearing along a walkway that links Rosemary Road and Coppice Lane swerved to avoid the mother-of-two and crashed into Jack.

Miraculously, the dog was not badly hurt, but Mrs Carter was distraught. She returned home but suffered a heart attack and died at 4am the following day.

Her husband Philip was too upset to speak about the tragedy. The couple have two children, 25-year-old Peter and 21-year-old Anneka.

The quiet village has reportedly been plagued by problems with youngsters who speed along the streets and fields on the motorised bikes.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said "Mrs Carter would walk Jack every day come rain or shine. We would often have a chat. It has come as a great shock. There has been a lot of problems with mini motorbike riders in the area."

Cheslyn Hay district councillor Mac Harris said the problems with youths riding bikes illegally in the village had been a major problem for some time. He said it was a tragedy waiting to happen.

"I am absolutely furious about this," he said. "It is a terrible tragedy. Youths riding bikes illegally in the village has been a major problem. My heart goes out to the family. Riding these bikes is illegal on public rights of way."

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information. Anyone with any information should telephone local police on: 08453 302010.