A widow who died after a jogger knocked her over had just bought flowers for a grieving friend.

Partially-sighted Constance Kerr, 91, was walking to her elderly friend's home on Tuesday to comfort her over her brother's death.

Mrs Kerr was about to take her friend the flowers when a runner bumped into her, possibly in Pevensey Road, St Leonards.

The man did not bother to stop but a couple in a car helped her and gave her a lift back to her friend's home.

Mrs Kerr, known as Connie, was left with a large lump on her head, black eye and a slight graze but appeared fine.

However, when she was back at her residential home in Bethune Court, Boscobel Road, St Leonards, staff became concerned.

They took her an ice pack but after supper she complained of feeling unwell.

Her GP arrived and transferred her to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings for checks.

Mrs Kerr's condition worsened rapidly and she died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, prompting a police inquiry.

A service of thanks for Mrs Kerr's life was held yesterday at the home for the 45 grieving residents, aged 75 to 101.

Staff said Mrs Kerr was fit and mentally alert and had recently been on a holiday to Spain with her family from Kent.

She was well-travelled, having been to Hong Kong and France, and was a committed Christian. She had four children.

Home manager Olga Blything said: "She was a plucky, independent and caring lady with many friends in this area.

"Typically, when she arrived back here, she didn't want to make a fuss about her injuries.

"She was simply a delightful lady. Everyone is devastated."

The East Sussex coroner's office has been informed but a post-mortem examination has yet to be held.

Detectives have ruled out robbery, saying Mrs Kerr's handbag and purse had not been snatched.

They urgently need to speak to the man who bumped into her at about 1.30pm and to the couple who helped her.

A force spokesman said: "These people are vital to our investigation. They are central to finding out exactly what happened.

"We're keeping an open mind as to whether a crime has been committed. There could quite easily be an innocent outcome but until we've spoken to all these people, we're not 100 per cent sure.

"We would urge them all to contact us."

Anyone with information should call Hastings CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.