THE heartbroken family of a great-grandmother who died when her mobility scooter plunged into an Essex river have paid tribute to her.

James Hore

THE heartbroken family of a great-grandmother who died when her mobility scooter plunged into an Essex river have paid tribute to her.

Rose Phillips was travelling along a path next to the River Brain in Witham when she is thought to have lost control and gone into the water on Friday evening.

A member of the public spotted her red mobility scooter and contacted police who found the 69-year-old and dragged her from the water.

It is understood that Mrs Phillips was found near the opposite side of the riverbank to where she went in.

Officers made desperate attempts to revive her but she was declared dead at the scene.

An investigation has been launched and police are still keen to hear from anyone who saw the Witham pensioner in the time leading up to the accident which is thought to have happened between 6pm and 7.30pm.

The river walk is a popular with joggers and cyclists and police are hoping someone may be able to shed more light on Friday's events.

In a statement released last night, Mrs Phillips' family said: “Rose was a much-loved wife, mum of four, nan to 10 grandchildren and great-nanny to three great-grandchildren.

“She enjoyed her family life and brought happiness to all those who knew her. She will leave a big hole in our lives and will be greatly missed.”

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 examination on Mrs Phillips, of Larkspur Close, will take place this week in order to establish the cause of death.

Scenes of crime officers were continued their investigations throughout Saturday in an attempt to establish what caused the crash.

Anyone who saw Mrs Phillips travelling on her red disability scooter between 6pm and 7:30pm on Friday is asked to contact officers at Dunmow road policing unit on 0300 333 4444.