An off-duty police officer who suffered a broken neck in a hit and run accident has thanked people who came to her aid.

Theresa Ferguson’s car was hit head-on by a blue Peugeot 307 while she was taking her teenage daughter home from a dance class.

It happened in front of the Bull Inn, in Boxley Road, Penenden Heath, just after 7.30pm last Monday.

The 52-year-old chief inspector for British Transport Police in London was taken to Tunbridge Wells hospital and diagnosed with a stable fracture to her cervical vertebrae and whiplash.

Her daughter, Sinead, 16, who has since returned to school, suffered whiplash injuries and bruises to her stomach.

Members of the Parkfit exercise group were running in the area and provided first aid, as did people from the pub.

Mrs Ferguson said: “The help they offered at the scene was second to none and I cannot thank them enough.

“The help they offered at the scene was second to none and I cannot thank them enough" - Theresa Ferguson

“The same goes for the emergency services and hospital staff, who were fantastic.

“I do not remember the accident at all but the whole front of the car is caved in and both air bags were set off.

“The people who helped said the other driver ran away while I was being treated. They have no idea how he fled and neither do I as his car was very badly damaged.”

Mrs Ferguson was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital. She had been driving a silver Ford Fiesta which suffered about £9,000 worth of damage, making the car a write off.

Her injuries, which are expected to heal within six to eight weeks, mean she is unable to go to work.

So far no arrests have been made.

A police spokesman said officers were investigating whether or not the Peugeot was stolen.