Google denies running over donkey

Google has denied running over a donkey in Botswana after being accused of a Street View car hit-and-run.

The search engine giant was forced to issue a denial after an image of the animal laid out along a dirt track began circulating online.

Web users accusing Google of running over the donkey and leaving it for dead, reports Metro.

The claims have been strongly denied by the Californian-based company which suggests the donkey was "perhaps enjoying a dust bath" as its Street View car approached.

That claim is supported by a series of images released by Google, showing the donkey getting to its feet after the car had passed.

"Over the last 24-hours concerned members of the public and the media have been speculating on the fate of a donkey pictured in Street View in the Kweneng region of Botswana," explained Google product manager Kei Kawai.

"Because of the way our 360-degree imagery is put together, it looked to some that our car had been involved in an unseemly hit and run, leaving the humble beast stranded in the road.

"As our imagery shows, the donkey was lying in the path - perhaps enjoying a dust bath - before moving safely aside as our car drove past. I'm pleased to confirm the donkey is alive and well."