A SEARCH is underway for a missing Jack Russell puppy thrown from a car when it came off a bridge and overturned.

Four-month-old pooch Peanut vanished when his owner’s blue Fiat Punto flipped near the B4696 Lydiard Plain, just before 7am this morning (JAN 19)

His owner Charlotte Rotton, 21, escaped injury when the car plunged onto its roof as she drove from Braydon to her job in Marlborough.

She said: “Peanut was in the back as I always take him to work with me.

"As soon as it happened, I was trapped upside down. I didn’t care about myself, I just wanted to check Peanut was okay. I unclipped my seatbelt, crawled over and saw he wasn’t there and I was so worried.

“As soon as I was discharged from hospital I went back in my hospital gown and wellies and was just standing there in the mud calling for him.

“The emergency services say they’re confident that he crawled out the back and because he’s a small dog they think he’ll be okay but I just want him home safe now.”

Peanut was a 21st birthday present for Charlotte, who said she is gravely concerned about her beloved pet.

She said: “He’s a very friendly, loving dog, he loves people and other dogs but he will be frightened because he’s only a baby.

“He will be very scared so if you do see him, call out for him quietly otherwise he may end up just running off again.

“It’s the first time he’s been on his own and without a coat so that’s my biggest concern, that he might be cold tonight.”

A search operation is underway with dog lovers urged to bring their pets to the scene along with Peanut’s favourite squeaky toys to attract his attention.

Charlotte and her family are also planning to spend the night at the crash site. They will set up a warm bed, along with tasty treats in a bid to coax Peanut out of his hiding place.

Charlotte has put out a plea to dog walkers in the area to keep an eye out for the missing pup.

“There’s some woods near there so if anyone is walking their dogs, please call Peanut’s name quietly and he should run up to you,” said Charlotte.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service attended the crash scene and warned of icy and foggy conditions this morning.

The northern end of the Wood Lane junction was closed for one hour as police cleared the scene.

If you spot Peanut call 07525 934576 , email charrotton95@gmail.com or call Wiltshire Police on 101. Tweet using #bringpeanuthome