Police are searching for a driver who left a pensioner lying in the road after a collision.

The victim, a 79-year-old Bournemouth woman, was crossing Wimborne Road at a junction at around 3.30pm on Monday, January 19, when a vehicle hit her while turning right into Withermoor Road.

Although the driver of the vehicle, a woman with shoulder-length dyed red hair and a large tattoo all the way up her leg, initially stopped at the scene and spoke to witnesses, she later drove off leaving the pensioner in the road.

The victim suffered a fractured knee among other injuries.

Police Constable Charlie Burt, of Bournemouth police, said: “This incident has had a significant impact on the victim, who was on her way to buy a wedding anniversary card for her husband for the following day.

“I would like to speak to any witnesses we haven't already spoken to.

“I would also urge the female driver, or anyone who recognises the description of her or the associated vehicle, to come forward and contact Dorset Police to help with this investigation.”

PC Burt also called on businesses in the area to check their CCTV for footage of the collision.

The vehicle is believed to have been a silver Vauxhall Astra.

The driver, described as a white woman aged between 20 and 30, around five feet seven inches tall and of slim build, told witnesses she was going to park the car and then return to the scene, but she did not return.

Police said she was wearing “casual clothes including a short skirt”.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 19:229. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply