THE family of a woman killed after being hit by a lorry has paid tribute to her.

Police were called after reports that an 82-year-old woman had been hit on Leigh Road, Leigh, at 11.45am on Wednesday.

Officers attended and discovered that Ethel Irene Ditcher, known as Irene, had died in the collision.

Paying tribute to her aunt, her nephew and niece, said: “We, the family of our auntie Irene would just like to thank the public for the kindness shown in our loss.

“To our dearly loved auntie, who was taken from us; you now sit with the angels and your beloved family. You will be sadly missed by your dear friends and you will always be in our hearts but never forgotten.

“Rest in peace until we meet again. Good night, God bless.”

Detectives are continuing to investigate the theft of Irene’s purse from the scene of the collision.

Police are keen to locate a man described as being white, 6ft tall, between 30 and 40 years old, of medium build, had a dark brown beard, wore a light grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his head, light blue jeans and black boot style training shoes.

Speaking of the theft, Irene’s family, said: “We cannot believe that someone has done this to our auntie.

“We are absolutely disgusted by this person's actions. Had auntie Irene been alive she would have given them the money if they'd asked.

“We just hope their conscience gets the better of them and they hand themselves into the police.”