THE family of 77-year-old woman who was hit while crossing the road in Kearsley have paid tribute to a “loving mother and grandmother”.

Pauline Bradburn was using a zebra crossing in Manchester Road near Clifton last Saturday when she was hit by a black Toyota Yaris.

She was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but died yesterday, a week after the crash.

In a statement issued by police, her family said: “We are shocked and devastated at the loss of Pauline in such tragic circumstances.

“Pauline was a loving mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

"She was well known and respected in the area and we would like to thank all the friends and neighbours for their kind words.

“We would like to express our deepest thanks to all the staff at Salford Royal Hospital for their efforts, professionalism and humanity in caring for Pauline and the support given to my family.

"We would also like to thank the police family liaison officers for their support throughout this difficult time.”

Now police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident.

In particular, they are calling for a man seen wearing a red shirt and talking on a mobile phone, and a woman dressed in black clothes who is said to have helped after the incident.

Police Constable Paul Joynson, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "My sympathies are with Pauline’s family and friends at this tragic time.

"We have launched an investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward so we can piece together the moments before the incident.

“In the moments after the collision we believe there was a man wearing a red shirt, talking on a mobile phone near to the incident, and a woman dressed in black clothes who helped after the collision.

“I would appeal to both of them to come and speak to police as potential witnesses, as they may hold information that can help with our enquiries.”

The incident happened on the crossing near the junction of Cedar Drive and Lawefield Crescent.

Neighbours said that Mrs Bradburn, who lived in Lawefield Crescent, had been going out for a newspaper when she was hit, leaving her with serious head injuries.

They added that Mrs Bradburn was a cub leader, and a much-loved member of the community.

Residents also added that there had been a number of crashes on the crossing in the past few years, saying that it is “dangerous.”

Anyone with any information should call Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.