A SIX-YEAR-OLD girl died after being hit by a car which failed to stop in Blackburn last night.

The girl was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where she died at around 7.30pm.

The accident happened on the junction of Billinge Street and Dalton Close, just off Newton Street, at around 6.50pm.

Police have said the girl was in the road when she was hit by the vehicle and the driver failed to stop.

The ambulance service reported the little girl was bleeding heavily when she was taken from the scene. Insp Graham Ashcroft of Blackburn police said: "This was a fatal road traffic collision which happened on the junction of Billinge Street and Dalton Close.

"The vehicle failed to stop at the scene and we are making inquiries at the moment.

"We secured the scene and a family liaison officer is with the family."

A police spokesman said: "We do not know whether the driver stopped and then drove off or whether they continued on after the accident."

An ambulance service spokesman said police were giving the child emergency first aid when they arrived at the scene.

Coun Salim Mulla, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I was driving down from the town hall.

"There were about six to seven police cars up there.

"The police cordoned off the middle of the Billinge Street area.

"I am very saddened by the accident, especially as I live in the area."

Police are carrying out inquiries to trace the driver of the vehicle.

People with information are asked to ring Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111