Police are hunting a callous hit-and-run driver who mowed down and killed a granny as she crossed a busy road.
Tragic Mary Elizabeth Humpherson, 88, known to her friends as Betty, died after being ploughed into by a silver Ford on Friday lunchtime (21/10).
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was speeding when it struck the pensioner and drove away leaving her for dead in the gutter.
Emergency services attended the scene on Birmingham Road, in Great Barr, Birmingham, following the collision at around midday.
An off-duty nurse had rushed to Betty’s aid before paramedics arrived and transported her to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Police said the OAP, who lived in Great Barr, suffered serious head, arm and leg injuries, which were not initially life-threatening.
However, despite the best efforts of medical staff, nothing could be done to save her and she tragically died later that day.
West Midlands Police are now appealing for witnesses to the fatal smash after the Ford driver fled on foot and was unsuccessfully hunted by police dogs.
On Saturday (22/10) her devastated family released a tribute and said: “It is difficult to express our loss and how this has affected us all.
“Betty was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to many in Great Barr.
“A kind hearted, sincere and caring lady who always put others first.
“We are devastated by this incident and would request that the family’s privacy is respected at this difficult time”.
Local resident John Chatterley, 73, said: “I came out shortly after the collision.
“There was lots of police and paramedics tending to the elderly woman.
“I spoke to a neighbour who said the driver had jumped out of the car and had fled down Peak House Road.
“I regularly see the same old lady crossing the road at the point.
“I was told the car had been speeding.
“The speed limit is 30mph and we don’t have speed cameras on the eastbound section of the road.
“Something needs to be done as we have regular accidents here.”
Pc Alex Rippin, from West Midlands Police’s collision investigation unit, said: “The driver abandoned the car at the scene and ran off- enquiries are on-going to trace him, but I would like him to do the right thing and contact investigating officers.
“I would also like to hear from anyone who has information to contact us by calling 101.”
The crash happened close to the slip road for junction seven of the M6.
The accident blackspot is also close to a row of shops and a school and is one of Birmingham’s busiest commuter routes.
Sixth form student Zoe Shapiro, 17, was killed in a crash on the same stretch of road in February.
