FOUR men have been arrested and a vehicle has been seized by police investigating the hit-and-run death of a seven-year-old girl.

The four suspects were detained on Monday on suspicion of causing the death of Olivia Whiteside by dangerous driving but one was later released without charge.

The three men held in custody were still being questioned yesterday.

Police have also seized a vehicle for examination in connection with the hit-and-run.

Olivia, of Goldhey Street, Blackburn, died after being struck by a black 4x4 vehicle at the junction of Billinge Street and Dalton Close, Audley, Blackburn, on Thursday July 27.

She had been playing with her cousin while staying with her aunt.

Det Insp Dave Hickey said: "We are still seeking for information and I would still ask for the individual involved or those who know what happened to come forward."

Officers fear that the motorist may be being shielded by friends in the community where the accident happened.

They have already carried out door-to-door inquiries at every house in the neighbourhood. As a result, officers mounted a further bid for information with the leaflets which appeal for information about the motorist who left Olivia Whiteside for dead.

Det Insp Dave Hickey stressed the vehicle seen in the leaflet was only an example of the one which may have been used in the hit-and-run. He said: "We do not know how accurate it is."

The leaflets, produced in English and Urdu, were distributed in the area on Wednesday and Thursday of last week.

Six other men have already been arrested in connection with the incident.

Four of those were taken in for questioning shortly after Olivia's death and released without charge.

The remaining two men, who were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, were released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is call the police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.