The family of a woman who died after being hit by a car during a police pursuit have paid tribute to her.

Susan Shaw, 47, was struck by a blue Vauxhall Corsa that was being chased in Rishton, near Blackburn, at about 5.50pm on Boxing Day.

Her family said: “She was well known within the local community in Rishton and spent a lot of time on local charitable causes, particularly Switched-On Rishton, which raises money throughout the year for Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town.

“Susan was very creative and enjoyed crafting. She would sell items she had made to raise money for Switched-On Rishton.

“Susan was a loving mother of two and also a much-loved daughter and sister, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She was always generous with her time with friends and strangers alike, and was loved by everyone.”

On Wednesday morning, flowers were left by the crash site.

A Rishton resident, Gordon Smith, 77, said: “I only knew her by sight and I knew her dog. She had a Jack Russell she used to walk.”

Lancashire police said the driver of the Corsa failed to stop at the scene, but the car was later recovered in a nearby street.

DI Warren Atkinson said: “We have now launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. We would ask anyone who witnessed the pursuit or who may be able to help us to identify the driver to contact us as we continue with our inquiries.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because it involved police.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log reference 1204 of 26 December.