School closed after woman killed in crash

Last updated 14:40, Monday, 14 July 2008

A pedestrian was killed in the early hours of Saturday after being hit by a car in west Cumbria.

Sarah Elizabeth Jackson, of Whitehaven, was struck by the car as she walked down a remote road near Cleator Moor in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 35-year-old worked at Distington Community School.

Colleagues were so distraught at the news that headteacher Andrew Cannon closed the school today and told pupils to stay at home.

The school will re-open tomorrow.

Police said Ms Jackson was struck by a blue Peugeot 306 as she walked along the B5295, between Keekle and Cleator Moor. Police have questioned the driver as part of their investigation.

The incident happened at Whinney Hill, close to the road’s junction at Mill Hill.

The car was travelling in the direction of Cleator Moor.

Ms Jackson was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, but later died from her injuries.

Nobody else was injured in the accident.

Police are appealing for a taxi driver who took a man and a woman to the crash area from Tangier Street in Whitehaven to come forward.

The road was closed for six hours as officers investigated and was re-opened at 9.40am.

A fatal collision inquiry has been launched and police are keen to speak to any witnesses.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 3300 247.

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