THE family of a woman killed in a hit and run have paid tribute to her.

Grandmother Rebecca Nevins, 70, was killed when a black Mercedes estate - which had earlier been stolen - smashed into the Ford Fiesta she was driving.

The stolen vehicle had been taken during a house burglary in Goring before travelling along the A24 at Horsham on Friday last week (November 10) where the fatal crash happened at around 2.30pm.

Ms Nevins, 70, of Manor Fields, Horsham, died at the scene.

A passenger in Ms Nevins's Fiesta, a 70-year-old female friend and from Horsham, suffered minor injuries. She was taken to the East Surrey Hospital for treatment and released later in the day.

The driver of the black Mercedes estate failed to stop.

Officers had encountered the vehicle 11 minutes before the fatal crash at the Buck Barn crossroads where it was spotted with a stolen Mercedes A Class. They left the services in convoy and both cars failed to stop for police when asked to do so.

The driver of the Mercedes A Class lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a hedge near the services. The driver attempted to run off but was arrested nearby.

Meanwhile the Mercedes estate continued on the A24 where it crashed into Ms Nevins's car between the Broadbridge Heath and the Robin Hood roundabouts.

This afternoon, Ms Nevins's family said in a statement issued through Sussex Police: "Rebecca was a loving mother of two, grandmother of two and a partner who was full of life and lit up the lives of everyone she met.

"She will be sorely missed by everybody."

Three people have so far been arrested following the incident and the preceding burglary.

A 23-year-old man from Staines-on-Thames, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and residential burglary, remained in custody on Thursday afternoon (November 16).

A 24-year-old woman from Feltham, Hounslow, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.

An 18-year-old man from Feltham was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Sussex Police said the Independent Police Complaints Commission was notified because of its officer's earlier contact with the stolen vehicles.