Named locally as Sifa Rifat, people have paid their respects to the 88-year-old who died after a collision with a car.

An elderly pedestrian, walking with the aid of a stick, died on Monday afternoon.

It happened just outside Cleveland House, a warden-controlled sheltered housing block for older people, where is it believed she lived.

She was hit by a blue Audi A6 between Rosherville primary and Our Lady of Assumption church.

One bunch of flowers has a card which read: "In loving memory of Sifa, God bless. With love Anna, Iris, Gwen and Bill and Vera."

A second displayed the tribute: Sifa, forever in our thoughts. Rest in peace. God bless. With love from the residents and scheme manager of Cleveland House."

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who saw the victim in the moments before the incident.

People living opposite described regularly seeing an elderly woman crossing the road to get to the bus stop.

It is not known if she was the victim.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said: “She never looked like she was very aware, she’d just suddenly step out, and she would move very slowly across the road.

“But the nearest crossing is further up the road and a lot of people will just cross here at the bus stop instead.”

Police would also like to hear from the drivers of a grey Citroen Berlingo van or similar model, and a small red Vauxhall car, who may be able to provide important information.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were scrambled and police said the woman’s next of kin had been informed.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We sent a car and an ambulance but despite the best efforts of our crew, sadly the woman died at the scene.”

A 27-year-old man from Northfleet was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured.

He has been bailed until Monday, August 22, while inquiries continue.

If you can help, call the appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference DB/MW/104-16.