AN ELDERLY woman has died after apparently losing control of her mobility scooter and plunging into a river.

James Hore

AN ELDERLY woman who died after her mobility scooter plunged into a river has today been named by police.

Rose Phillips is thought to have been travelling along a path next to the River Brain in Witham when she lost control.

Police were called to the scene and officers pulled the 69-year-old Witham pensioner out of the water and attempted to resuscitate her but she was declared dead at the scene.

A section of river walk, close to the junction with Guithavon Road, was closed for about four hours as forensic collision investigators carried out enquiries and the scooter was recovered.

A post-mortem of Mrs Phillips, of Larkspur Close will take place next week in order to establish the cause of death.

Police have also renewed their appeal for witnesses to Friday's incident.

Anyone who saw Mrs Phillips on her red disability scooter between 6pm and 7.30pm is urged to contact investigating officers at Dunmow road policing unit on 0300 333 4444.