A 70-year-old woman has died after a hit-and-run incident near a pelican crossing in a Kent village.

The incident happened at around 8.45am Thursday on the A20 at Harrietsham, near Maidstone, close to the junction with West Street.

The woman is believed to be local - but police said they would not be releasing her name until her next of kin had been informed.

Insp Geoff Wyatt said officers were looking for a 4x4-type vehicle which would have fresh damage to the bodywork and paintwork.

He said: “It was a non-stop road traffic collision. An elderly female pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle travelling towards Lenham.”

Witnesses told how they saw the woman lying in the road being treated by paramedics.

Anthony Carson, who lives in Lenham Heath Road, Sandway, near Harrietsham, said at the scene: "I got there just after it happened. This poor woman was lying in the road."

The Kent Air Ambulance landed in a nearby field and the road was closed as investigators examined forensic and technical evidence. A criminal investigation has also been launched.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 01622 690055.

They would particularly like to speak to the driver of a dark-green coloured Land Rover Discovery and a woman dressed in pink pushing a buggy.