A WOMAN from North Stifford died in a hit-and-run as she attempted to protect an elderly man she was walking with.

Brenda Croke, 64, of Clockhouse Lane, was struck by a black Range Rover in Abbey Wood, Kent at around 11am on Thursday.

The vehicle, which had no registration plates, was abandoned at the scene and the male driver made off on foot. Enquiries are underway to trace him.

Ms Croke had been walking with an elderly gentleman at the time of the incident. Detectives investigating the incident believe she may have been trying to prevent him being hit when she was struck herself.

A post-mortem took place yesterday (June 23) at Greenwich Mortuary and gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

Enquries into the incident are continuing. Police have not yet made any arrests.

Detective Sergeant Richard Budd said: "I am keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this tragic accident.

"It appears the victim had been walking with an elderly gentlemen and that she may have tried to prevent him being hit but was knocked down in the process. The gentlemen did not sustain any injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have any information or knows the man we are seeking to trace. Please do not stay silent, any information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0208 285 1574 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.