Several arrests over hit-run death

12 April 2012

Several people have been arrested in connection with the death of a school dinner lady who was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident, police said.

Paula Stead, 32, died after she was hit by a Jeep Cherokee in St Luke's Road, Sunderland, on Thursday night.

The driver of the 4x4, which was being followed by police, abandoned the car and fled the scene.

Mrs Stead's only child Bridie, 11, was also hurt along with Danica Green, the 10-year-old daughter of her cousin. Both were taken to hospital suffering leg injuries.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Police have a number of people assisting them with their inquiries.

"The two young girls remain in hospital. One of the children has undergone surgery for serious leg injuries and the other has a suspected fractured arm and leg. Both are said to be doing well.

"Police hope to speak to the girls as they may be able to provide vital information. However, officers are keen to stress that their hospital needs come first."

Police believe they know who was responsible but would not say whether the vehicle had been stolen.

Mrs Stead, who recently married her landscape gardener husband John, was returning from her second job cleaning at a dental surgery when she was fatally injured. The force of the impact tore the clothes she was wearing, leaving her half-naked in the street with blood pouring from her head, witnesses said.

Bridie was left crying for her mother, who had been knocked unconscious and was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

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