Woman killed in Boxing Day police chase hit-and-run crash is named by police

A woman who died after being struck by a car, which was being chased by police, has been officially identified as Susan Shaw - a mother to two disabled children.

The 47-year-old pedestrian was hit by a blue Vauxhall Corsa in High Street, Rishton, near Blackburn, at about 5.50pm on Boxing Day.

Lancashire Police said the driver of the Corsa failed to stop at the scene but the car was later recovered in nearby Cliff Street.

Investigations are under way to identify the driver, officers said.

In a statement, Ms Shaw's family said: "She was well known within the local community in Rishton and spent a lot of time on local charitable causes, particularly Switched-On Rishton, which raises money throughout the year for Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town.

"Susan was very creative and enjoyed crafting. She would sell items she had made to raise money for Switched-On Rishton.

"Susan was a loving mother of two and also a much-loved daughter and sister and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

"She was always generous with her time with friends and strangers alike and was loved by everyone."

It later emerged that a friend had set up a fundraising website to help support her offspring - both believed to be aged in their 20s.

The Gofundme page, set up by friend Debbie Hudson, said: "Funds will go towards funeral cost and caring for her two disabled children."

Police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has been informed and the victim's family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Inspector Warren Atkinson said: "We have now launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

"We would ask anyone who witnessed the pursuit or who may be able to help us to identify the driver to contact us as we continue with our inquiries.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim at this sad time."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log reference 1204 of 26 December.