A WOMAN has died in a hit and run after being knocked down by a car being chased by police.

Mother-of-two Susan Shaw was hit by the car in High Street, Rishton, at 5.50pm on Boxing Day.

Police were chasing a blue Vauxhall Corsa when it hit the woman.

Woman killed in Rishton hit and run named by police

An air ambulance was called and medics fought to save her but she died a short time after the smash.

The driver failed to stop at the scene. Officers found the car later that evening in Cliff Street and are now working to identify the driver.

The IPCC have been informed and the victim’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.

A post mortem examination to establish the medical cause of the woman's death is due to take place today. 

Det Insp 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.”

Resident Gordon Smith, 77, said: "I only knew her by sight and I knew her dog.

"She had a Jack Russell she used to walk."

He added: "I was out yesterday and when I got back about 9.30pm there were two police cars blocking the road and a police van.

"I heard somebody had been knocked down and people said there had been a police chase."

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

The road remained closed for most of the evening.