Tributes to ‘loving’ great-gran who died after being hit by a car on Christmas Day in Greater Manchester

The heartbroken family of an 81-year-old woman who died after being hit by a car on Christmas Day have paid tribute to a "kind and loving" great-grandmother.

Widow Lillian Conroy collapsed as she crossed a junction in Bolton before being hit by a car that was trying to overtake a motorist that had stopped to help her.

A post-mortem examination concluded Lillian, a retired carer, died of chest injuries.

In a statement released by police, her family said: "Our Mum Lillian was tragically taken from us on Christmas Day.

"She was a mother, sister, mother in law, grandma, great-grandma, aunty, sister-in-law and a friend to many.

"Our family will never come to terms with our loss.

"Mum was a kind lady who loved her family and liked nothing more than having us all around her."

What happened?

Lillian was trying to cross Newbrook Road in Bolton, just after 7pm on Christmas Day when she collapsed in the middle of the road.

An inquest opening into her death heard a driver had stopped to help Lillian. But a second vehicle then struck her while trying to overtake the first car, it was heard.

Manchester West area coroner, Prof Alan Walsh, heard how Lillian was a retired carer and widow of Jack Conroy, who died seven years ago.

A post-mortem examination was conducted by pathologist Dr Charles Wilson, who concluded that the cause of death was chest injuries.

Inquest opened and adjourned

Lillian's family added: "We take some comfort from knowing that she is now resting in peace with our dad who she missed dearly following his death seven years ago.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped her, it gives our family a lot of comfort to know there were such lovely people with her, we are very grateful to you all for everything you did and all the caring and kindness you showed to our mum."

Her inquest was halted pending a police investigation, but her body was released by the coroner.

Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and his since been released under investigation. Detectives probing Lillian’s death have appealed for information.