An elderly woman has died after a hit and run incident near a pelican crossing.

The incident happened at around 8.45am on the A20 at Harrietsham near the junction with West Street.

The woman, aged 70, is believed to be local to Harrietsham but police said they would not be releasing her name until her next of kin had been informed.

Inspector Geoff Wyatt, from Mid Kent Police, said officers were looking for a 4x4 type vehicle which would have fresh damage to the bodywork and paintwork.

They are also trying to establish whether the driver jumped a red light.

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.”

One woman who lives near the scene, said: “I just feel so sad for the family.

"It is such tragic circumstances. I have been told that some children on their way to school saw what happened. It is just so awful.”

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 anyone who was driving through Harrietsham this morning and saw the incident to contact them on 01622 690055.

They would particularly like to speak to a woman, wearing pink, who was seen pushing a child’s buggy nearby, as well as the driver of a dark green Land Rover Discovery.