A DOG has survived an 80ft fall after landing on the roof of a soft-top car.

RSPCA inspectors fear the female crossbred collie may have been flung from the top of a multi-storey car park at the Castlegate Shopping Centre, Stockton.

It survived with just a few cuts after landing on the roof of the car parked below at about 2.30pm yesterday.

A black and white male collie, which also fell, was less fortunate. It suffered several broken bones after landing on concrete and had collapsed by the time it was found.

Neil Mitchell, from the RSPCA, said: "It is touch and go with the collie as to whether he will survive.

"We cannot say until we have examined the security tapes what we believe has actually happened.

"If it is malicious, it is an horrendous act. But it may just have been a tragic accident."

Both dogs were taken to Jacqui Paterson's veterinary practice, in Hartburn, Stockton, where they will stay until recovered.

Hairdresser Marina Fedderson saw the accident from her workplace across the road.

She said: "It was absolutely horrific. All you could hear were yelps and then a tremendous thud. They were like human cries. Both dogs looked like humans do when they are falling from a cliff. It was weird.

"One of the dogs was crying as if it was trying to attract attention and get help from people passing by."

The RSPCA would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident. If anybody can help, they are asked to contact (08705) 555999.