THE tragic death of a businessman has left police looking for a woman whose dog was involved.

Peter Thumwood, 74, was killed when a dog ran in front of the pony and trap he was riding along Kinlet Road, Shooters Hill, at 1pm on Easter Monday.

His family have spoken of their shock at the death of the Shooters Hill resident who they said was the "best dad, husband and granddad anyone could wish for".

Watched by his daughter and granddaughter the grandfather-of-two was thrown into the air when the pony bolted.

He died the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, after receiving severe head injuries.

Mr Thumwood ran family business Conmax timber and furniture company on Plumstead High Street, which he set up with his wife in 1957.

He was a keen golfer and an animal lover who kept horses and dogs.

His wife of 48 years Vi, 82, said: "He was a wonderful man and I'm very proud to have been married to him."

Mr Thumwood spent the early years of his life living with his parents at the Congleton Arms pub on Maxey Road, Plumstead.

His daughter Carol Thumwood-Browning said: "Everybody is absolutely devastated. He was such a lovely person and wouldn't say a bad word about anybody.

"He always thought the best of people and was the best dad, husband, granddad and boss anyone could wish for."

Investigators from Catford Traffic Unit are keen to trace a woman thought to own the dog which ran out in front of Mr Thumwood.

She is described as blonde, aged 30 to 40, and was walking a tan Staffordshire bull terrier and a long-haired light coloured Alsaian, which is thought to have caused the accident.

If you have any information, please call PC Simon Ashton on 020 8285 1574.

Mr Thumwood's funeral will take place at 11am on April 14 at Eltham Crematorium.