A man has tragically lost his canine companion while on an afternoon stroll on the Marsascala by-pass, after a driver appears to have lost control of his vehicle, mounted the pavement and hit the man and his dog.

The driver has been identified and is being held in custody.

The police said that the dog's owner, a 41-year-old of Zejtun, suffered serious injuries.

The incident took place 2.15pm, after which the driver fled the scene with police currently attempting to locate him.

The pedestrian was promptly transferred to Mater Dei. His condition is currently unknown however unconfirmed reports state that he has been grievously injured.

An animal ambulance was immediately called on the scene but by the time it arrived the dog had already passed away. 

A magisterial inquiry has been launched.