A woman is believed to have become the first pedestrian to die in Britain after being hit by an electric bicycle in a suspected hit-and-run.

Sakine Cihan was attempting to cross a road in east London when she was struck by an electric-assisted "mountain bike-style" pedal cycle.

The 56-year-old later died in hospital. The Metropolitan Police said they believe it was the first such death to occur.

So-called "e-bikes" do not require a licence and have a legal power-assisted speed of up to 15.5mph. However, they often reach much higher speeds if the rider also pedals.

Police were called to Kingsland High Street at just after 5pm on Tuesday, August 28 to reports of the collision

Ms Cihan, from Dalston, had been attempting to cross the road, said Scotland Yard.