The hunt for a dog that went missing when its owner was killed in a road accident has gone viral with complete strangers joining the search on social media.

Barney, a three-year-old cockapoo, ran off after Jennifer Lowden, 72, died in a collision with a car on the A374 on the outskirts of Torpoint, south-east Cornwall, on Monday.

Devon and Cornwall Police put the story of Barney on their Facebook page and the dog's plight has captured the hearts of the public.

The appeal by Torpoint police has been viewed more than 70,000 times and #findbarney has been trending on Twitter. It has inspired dozens of people to search the local area for Barney, with many out looking overnight.

Dog walkers and commuters have been urged to keep a look-out for Barney during their day-to-day routines.

A police spokesman said: "Ms Lowden was treated at the scene by air ambulance paramedics, but died a short time later.

"Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or been in the area of the A374 at the time.

"Ms Lowden's dog Barney is also now known to have also been involved in the collision and inquiries continue to locate him."

Police said Barney was last seen in the Wilcove area of Torpoint on Tuesday afternoon.