A woman has died after she was deliberately run down by a car.

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Alison McBlain, 36, who was struck by a vehicle in Blackburn, Lancashire, on Tuesday night.

It is thought a Fiat Punto Grande mounted the pavement in Whalley Banks at the junction with Pearson Street and then hit Ms McBlain and a 26-year-old man from Blackburn, reports LancsLive, our sister title.

The car, believed to be on a cloned registration plate, number EX07PYA, failed to stop at the scene of the incident just before 7.50pm.

A similar vehicle was later found in Lower Hollin Bank Street with significant front-end damage and attempts had been made to set it on fire.

Lancashire Police said Ms McBlain died in hospital on Thursday with her family, including 12-year-old son Reagan, by her bedside.

A 25-year-old man from Blackburn was arrested on Wednesday night on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson, said: "Alison sadly passed away from her injuries today and my thoughts remain with her and her loved ones, including her young son.

"This is now a murder investigation and I have a team of detectives and staff continuing to work hard on this investigation and we continue to follow a number of different lines of inquiry.

"The public's help is key to us in piecing together the events which led up to this collision and to finding those responsible and I am grateful to everyone who has assisted us so far.

"No matter how insignificant you may feel the information you have is I would urge you to come and speak to us."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0915 of November 20th, through the major incident portal at mipp.police.uk or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.