A 31-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in connection with the death of a mother-of-two in a hit-and-run during a police pursuit.

Damien Raeburn, 31, from Accrington, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after Susan Shaw, 47, was hit by a blue Vauxhall Corsa at 5.50pm on Boxing Day.

Charity fundraiser from Rishton Ms Shaw, described by family and friends as “one of the kindest people you could ever meet”, suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.

Following a public appeal for information Raeburn was arrested by police this afternoon in connection with the incident and is currently in custody.

Det Supt Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “These are such tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain with Mrs Shaw’s family and friends at this sad and very difficult time.

“Officers have arrested a man in connection with the investigation and he will be questioned in due course.

“I would like to thank the public and those who shared our appeal for information for their continued support during our investigation.”

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

Police watchdog the IPCC has been informed.

In a tribute, 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.”

A fundraising website has been set up to help with the costs of caring for Ms Shaw’s two disabled children, who are both believed to be in their 20s.

A message on the Gofundme page, set up by friend Debbie Hudson, said: “Susan was a well-loved member of the community who was sadly killed in a hit and run on the 26 December 2017.

“Funds will go towards funeral cost and caring for her two disabled children.”