A WOMAN in her 80s who was struck by a hit and run driver has died.

A WOMAN in her 80s who was struck by a hit and run driver has died.

Police were called at about 6.30pm on Wednesday night after the woman was left seriously injured in Out Northgate near the junction with Station Hill in Bury St Edmunds.

She had been struck by a vehicle which failed to stop. The vehicle was seen driving off towards the Mildenhall estate.

The woman, who was from the town, was taken to the West Suffolk Hospital but she died yesterday afternoon.

She had been with a friend who was extremely shaken but unhurt.

Police are urgently trying to trace the driver of the vehicle, which is described as a small van which may be dark in colour.

Sgt Bob Patterson of the Bury road policing unit described it as an “extremely serious incident” and added: “It happened near a busy roundabout on main routes through the town just after rush hour, and there would also have been taxis and rail passengers in the area coming and going from the train station. We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision to come forward.

“We also want to speak to anyone who may have seen the van before or after the collision. It is possible that the vehicle was damaged during the collision, so anyone who may have seen a small van with damage matching this description yesterday evening or today, is also urged to contact police.”

Calls should be made to the Bury Roads Policing Unit on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.