THE FAMILY of an 87-year-old woman who died after her car crashed into a fire station have paid tribute to her.

Sheila Hart, was driving down Chorley New Road at 3.20pm on Friday when her black Hyundai hit the wall of Horwich Community Fire Station.

The 87-year-old was rushed to hospital but died this morning (Monday).

Her family have since paid tribute to the "much-loved aunt, great aunt and sister-in-law".

They said: “As a family we would like to thank first responders, especially members of the public and the fire service team who gave valuable assistance and comfort in her hour of need.

“We would also like to thank the GMP family liaison team and the critical care team at Salford Royal Infirmary for their dedicated care and attention, also friends and neighbours for overwhelming support and kindness.

“Sheila was an active member of St John’s Methodist Church and as such enjoyed long-lasting fellowship and friendship.

"She was, and continues to be a much loved aunt, great aunt and sister-in-law who was devoted to her family and close friends, and will be dearly missed. She will be forever in our hearts and prayers. God bless.”

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PC Neil Pennington, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: “Our thoughts are with Mrs Hart’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken to Sheila last Friday, including local retail or business owners, to contact us.

“We are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the collision and would appeal to any witnesses and anyone with dash-cam footage to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 1837 of 13/09/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.