The widower of a woman killed in a hit-and- run incident has made an impassioned appeal for the driver to come forward.

Shirley Leedham, 70, died after being struck by a vehicle as she crossed the A20 in her home village of Harrietsham, near Maidstone at around 8.45am Thursday. She had lived in the village for 48 years.

Her husband John, 73, paid a moving tribute to his wife at the scene of the incident near the junction with West Street on Tuesday.

He said: "Our family has been devastated by what has happened and Shirley will be greatly missed by us all. She was my wife for over 50 years and leaves behind two sons and four grandchildren who loved her deeply.

"Although quiet and shy sometimes, she was an independent woman and well liked in the village and we are touched and thankful for all the wonderful tributes to Shirley which have been left by people in her memory.

"We can’t bring Shirley back - but we really need to find out what happened so our family can have closure at this difficult time.

"I appeal directly to the driver of the vehicle which hit Shirley and ask them to come forward. I'm sure her death must be playing on their conscience."

• Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or call Kent Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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