Much-loved donkey, Alfie, is recovering after being hit by a car.

Stroud residents were rocked yesterday by reports that Alfie, who resides on Minchinhampton Common, had been hit by a car.

Posts on social media suggest Alfie went over the roof of a car before falling to the ground.

Alfie's owner has now moved the animal off the common to a nearby field while he recovers. 

He has been given painkillers and may require further medical treatment on his eye.

A decision on whether Alfie will return to the common has not yet been made.

Reactions to the news of the accident featured a mixture of sadness and anger.

One commenter said: "Alfie is such a lovely donkey and a key feature of the common. Sending him lots of love for a speedy recovery."

Another added: "Poor Alfie! I wish people would be more careful."

Others called for speed cameras to be introduced on the common.

Cows are released onto the common every summer but increased traffic across the unfenced commons has caused regular incidents in recent years.