A PENSIONER died after a hit-and-run by the driver of a mobility scooter, an inquest heard today.

Barbara French, 84, suffered a broken hip after a glancing blow as she crossed Toward Road, in Sunderland, in May last year. She later developed bronchopneumonia as a result of the accident and died.

The driver of the electric buggy said she was going to call an ambulance, but fled the scene and has never been caught.

The inquest heard evidence from Marie Clarke, who was interviewed by police, but denied having been involved and did not match witness descriptions of the driver.

She said: "I was brought up by my grandmother and there is no way I could leave an old lady crying in the road."

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Potts, of Northumbria Police, told the inquest at Sunderland Civic Centre an extensive police investigation had failed to identify a culprit.

He told the inquest: "Witnesses said Mrs French was waiting by the side of the road when the mobility scooter passed her from behind and a parcel being carried by the rider hit her a glancing blow on the back of the legs.

"The person riding the scooter stopped, came across and said they were going to get some help, never to return."

Because electric powered buggies are not classed as motor vehicles, a rider cannot be prosecuted for a motoring offence.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Sunderland Coroner Derek Winter said: "It is for the Government to determine whether regulation is required for their use, the competencies of those that drive them, as well as compulsory insurance.

"The mischief in this case has been in the failure of the driver to recognised the significance of the incident and to act in a more humane and honest way."