Family in tribute to Leeds grandmother killed by hit-and-run driver

Sheila Pickles, 79, was hit by a small car next to a bus shelter near her home on Wednesday afternoon.

She was pronounced dead after she was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

West Yorkshire Police are looking for a small silver, grey or dark-coloured car, which failed to stop at the scene.

Tonight, Mrs Pickles’ son David and her daughter-in-law Sandra issued a statement which said: “We want to remember our mum as she was - a warm and loving, caring person who had all the time in the world for everyone else.

“She always had time to talk to everyone and always had sweets for the children.

“She would talk to anyone in the street if ever she thought they might need some help.

“She was a grand person and was very independent.

“She loved to be out and about.

“She was a good Nanna to all her grandchildren and to her great-grandchildren.

“She was greatly loved and all of our family members will miss her so very much.

“She has died under such awful circumstances and we are all finding this so very difficult to come to terms with.”

Mrs Pickles was fatally injured near the junction of Oatland Lane and Carlton Hill, in the Little London area of Leeds, shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson said: “I am making a direct appeal to the driver of that vehicle to search their conscience and come forward and tell us what happened.

“The family has been left devastated and understandably they want answers.

“I also want to hear from anyone who has suspicions that someone they know could have been the driver.”

Mr Atkinson said the car involved will have received damage to the front passenger side and headlight.

He said if anyone knew of a vehicle which had received such damage they should contact police immediately.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident itself and saw what happened,” he said.