AN 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a collision which left a pedigree dog badly injured.

Flame, a five-year-old Irish red setter bitch which has appeared at Crufts, was hit by an off-road motorbike while walking along a bridlepath in Whinfield, Darlington, on Bank Holiday Monday.

The following day police arrested a local youth who was later released on bail.

Now a second person has been arrested for criminal damage to a dog, driving other than in accordance with a licence and without insurance and numerous driving offences. He has also been released on bail.

Flame's owner, Kevin Swainston, 52, said yesterday the dog, which suffered a chipped backbone and broken ankle, was back at home in Muirkirk Grove, Darlington.

"She is back home but she can't stand or anything. She can't walk and we don't know if she will survive. It's too early to say she is recovering."

Police are carrying out a week-long operation to tackle illegal off-road biking. Anyone wanting to report incidents is asked to contact (01325) 467681.