A DRIVER is being hunted by police after a dog was thrown out the back of a van onto a busy motorway.

The lurcher cross was hurled from the van on the northbound carriage of the M23 near Gatwick junction.

The dog, who may never wag its tail again, is now recovering from two broken legs with an animal charity.

Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 4pm on Thursday March 2, to come forward.

A passing motorist stopped to help the dog before Surrey Police took her to a local vet.

PC Sam Ainsworth 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”

Call Surrey Police on 101, reference number 45170022317.