An 81-year-old woman has died after being struck by a hit and run vehicle in Bury St Edmunds.The elderly pedestrian, who was today named as Thelma Driver, of Out Northgate, was hit by a small van as she crossed the road near her house at 6.

An 81-year-old woman has died after being struck by a hit and run vehicle in Bury St Edmunds.

The elderly pedestrian, who was today named as Thelma Driver, of Out Northgate, was hit by a small van as she crossed the road near her house at 6.30pm on Wednesday .

The vehicle, which may have been dark in colour failed to stop at the scene of the collision on Out Northgate, near the junction of Station Hill, and drove off towards the Mildenhall estate.

Ms Driver was taken to the West Suffolk Hospital in a critical condition and died yesterday afternoon. She was with a friend at the time of the collision, who was extremely shaken but unhurt.

Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the collision, or anyone who may have seen the van which may have been damaged in the collision.

Calls the Bury roads policing unit on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.