Pensioner dies after neighbour's car hits her

Lena Cobb, 87, was struck by her friend's car as she waited for her to reverse in a quiet Beverley cul-de-sac. She died shortly afterwards in hospital.

The driver, believed to be 77-year-old Pamela Havercroft, is said to be devastated by the accident in Inglefield Close, Beverley.

The two women, who were next-door neighbours and went shopping together every week, were planning on visiting a supermarket and a hairdresser.

It is understood Mrs Cobb was hit by Mrs Havercroft's silver Vauxhall Corsa shortly before 10am as she reversed out of a parking space opposite their homes.

The driver called 999 and police and the ambulance service arrived at the scene.

Grandmother Mrs Cobb was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where she died.

Mrs Havercroft, who was not injured, has not been arrested.

Neighbour Jane Gay, 50, described how she tried in vain to keep Mrs Cobb conscious until the ambulance arrived.

"She was just lying in the road, while the driver was on the phone with the ambulance. It took about five or 10 minutes for the ambulance to get here.

"I tried to keep her conscious by talking to her. Although she wasn't talking, she was breathing. The driver was telling me she was taking her friend to Netto and going to the hairdressers.

"It was a regular trip they did together and one of the highlights of their weeks."

Inspector Mark Hughes said an investigation was under way.

"The driver involved is extremely upset – devastated. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident. It was a low-impact crash, however, it is too early to give details of what happened. We will know more when the post-mortem examination has been carried out."