DETECTIVES hunting a hit-and-run driver who mowed down and killed an Ipswich grandmother were today examining a number of clues in their bid to find a breakthrough.

DETECTIVES hunting a hit-and-run driver who mowed down and killed an Ipswich grandmother were today examining a number of clues in their bid to find a breakthrough.

Potentially crucial evidence found at the scene of the horror smash in Stoke Park Drive has been gathered and is being scrutinised by police road accident experts.

Susan Garnham, 61, of Hexham Close, was killed when she was hit by the car, believed to be a dark-coloured Fiat Punto, on Sunday at around 8.40am.

Debris from the crash, including fragments of glass from the vehicle's rear light and plastic from the bumper, was left scattered at the roadside.

Tyre prints on the grass verge were also discovered.

At a press conference yesterday, the detective leading the case appealed to the driver to contact police.

Detective chief inspector Mark Jepson said: “We would urge the driver of the vehicle to contact us as soon as possible.

“What may have been an accident could have more serious ramifications if there is an attempt to tamper or destroy evidence.”

Mrs Garnham, who was born in Thetford but moved to Ipswich when she was a girl, was employed as an administrator at Stoke High School.

The school's headteacher, Alan Whittaker, said: “My colleagues are absolutely devastated, as are many of the pupils.

“Sue has been here a long time and was a very important part of our school. She will leave a massive gap at Stoke.

“Nothing was too much trouble, she was always smiling, and never got angry - I cannot remember her once losing her patience over anything.

“This is a devastating loss to the school and to a much wider community of people who knew her.”

The driver is described as white, in his early to mid 20s, between 5ft 10in and 6ft, of proportionate build and with light brown hair.

His vehicle is believed to have had darkened rear and side windows, appeared to sit close to the ground, may have had low profile tyres and the rear wheel arches are described as being flared over the wheels. It was manufactured between 1999 and 2006.

Anyone with information is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.

Police today appealed for witnesses to a collision which resulted in the death of an 81-year-old in Ipswich. Bernard Packard, of Spring Road, died in the crash in Heath Road on Thursday . Those with information should call 01473 613500.

Would you like to pay tribute to Susan Garnham? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk