A 71-YEAR-OLD female pedestrian involved in a late-night hit-and-run crash in Poole has died of her injuries.

The woman was involved in a collision with a car in Poole Road, Branksome, outside the Tesco store, just after 11pm on Friday.

She was taken to Poole Hospital by ambulance but died of her injuries. The woman's family have been informed and the coroner notified.

The road was closed for several hours to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and collision investigators to examine the scene.

Police have now renewed their appeal for witnesses.

Sergeant Fern Graham, of Dorset Police's traffic unit, said: "My thoughts are with the woman's family at this difficult time and we have specially-trained officers supporting them.

"Following further investigations we believe the offending vehicle made off from the scene.

"We are looking to identify a small light-coloured vehicle similar to a Renault Clio and a dark-coloured saloon similar to a Mercedes E Class. We understand these vehicles were following an ambulance eastbound along Poole Road around the time of the incident.

"We continue to investigate the full circumstances and would renew our appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken with officers to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would also ask any motorists who may have been driving in the area at the time to review their dashcam footage and report anything that may be relevant to us."

Poole Road resident Ian Malcolm-Walker told the Daily Echo: "There were about four police cars and two ambulances outside of our house.

"The whole road was a sea of blue flashing lights.

"The police knocked on the door and told us to stay inside. They were here until about half past two and the road was closed.

"The accident happened outside Tesco near the bus stop."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 18:491 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.