A WOMAN who died when she was hit by a car in Edenfield on Saturday evening has been named by police.

Ausrine Micyte, was a much loved mother and grandmother from Blackburn, a spokesman said.

Mrs Micyte’s daughter paid the following tribute to her: “Ausrine was a much loved mother and grandmother.

“She always had a smile on her face.

“She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

The 46-year-old was hit by a car that was travelling onto the main northbound carriageway of the A56 bypass, at around 11.35pm.

Emergency services were called to the incident but Mrs Micyte was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police spokesperson said: “Police were called after a VW Polo driving onto the main northbound carriageway of the bypass struck a pedestrian.

“The pedestrian, a woman, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“She has since been identified as Ausrine Micyte, 46, of Blackburn.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information which could assist to contact us.”

An eyewitness said they could see a person was giving the woman first aid at the roadside and lots of people had stopped to help.

Julie Wilkinson, who lives near Crawshawbooth and was in a taxi with her son and husband, on their way home from a family party in Ramsbottom, saw the aftermath of the incident.

She said: “The taxi was on the slip road coming onto the A56 at Stubbins when we saw it.

“From the slip road we could see lots of people in the road.

“One car was at an angle and there were other cars stopped everywhere.

“At first I thought it had been two cars that had crashed into each other.

“The taxi slowed right down and I saw some belongings in the road.

“As the taxi went past we could see one person in the road receiving first aid from a member of the public.

“It was absolutely awful.”

The A56 bypass connects Rawtenstall, Edenfield and Ramsbottom to the M66, which leads into Bury and other areas of Greater Manchester.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 1656 of Saturday, September 8th.