DETECTIVES hunting a hit-and-run driver following a pensioner's death are urging back-street garages to help.

Police say the distinctive BMW convertible which killed great-grandmother Betty Cooper, 87, was badly damaged in the impact and would stay in the mind of any mechanics asked to repair it.

Mrs Cooper, a mother of 12, was killed as she tried to get into a taxi in Westbury Street, Thornaby, Teesside, in the early hours of Sunday.

Her son and daughter-in-law are still in hospital after the same car struck them.

Acting Detective Inspector Paul Beddows said the Ascot Green convertible left debris at the scene, including a wing mirror, part of a bumper and front grill, and glass.

He said: "It is a distinctive car which obviously suffered significant damage in the impact. The driver may well have taken it out of the area to have it repaired, sold it on or disposed of it.

"We are appealing to any small body repair shops who might have been asked to do some repairs on this car to contact us immediately.

"Alternatively, the car could have been dumped in a lock-up garage."

If anyone has seen anyone acting suspiciously near a lock-up or who knows the whereabouts of the car they can contact Stockton police on (01642) 302234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.