A shoplifter who died as she ran from a store in front of traffic was a singer with one of the UK's most successful dance bands.

Doreen Waddell, 36, of Clarendon Villas, Hove, sang lead vocals on Soul II Soul's Club Classics Volume 1 album, considered one of the most influential in dance music since it was released in 1989.

She died instantly when she was hit by three vehicles as she crossed the A27 at Shoreham after fleeing Tesco's supermarket at Holmbush.

Minutes earlier, she had been chased by staff as she fled with two men through a fire door at the rear of the store but police said staff were not pursuing her when she climbed an embankment on to the 70mph bypass.

The Argus reported the incident on Friday but Ms Waddell's body was so badly injured police had to rely on fingerprints to confirm she was the internationally acclaimed singer.

Goods from the store, including children's items, were found scattered along the dual carriageway and police initially feared a child had also been involved.

Ms Waddell, who has a son and who went under the stage name of Do'reen, was the main vocalist on Soul ll Soul's single Feel Free, one of the group's biggest hits.

The song reached number 73 in the singles chart but was number one in the dance chart in 1989.

She also provided vocals on the tracks Happiness and Fairplay.

The musical collective led by Jazzie B, real name Beresford Romeo, released five albums between 1989 and 1995, the first considered a classic.

A review of the Club Classics album in the Los Angeles Times said: "Do'reen, perhaps sums up the Soul II Soul feeling best as the warm and funky beats of Fairplay fade and the vocalist repeats the chorus 'It's all about expression'."

However, following her initial success, Ms Waddell slipped out of the limelight and did not recapture similar stardom.

After Feel Free, Soul II Soul's follow-up singles were the international smashes Keep on Movin' and Back to Life, both of which featured Caron Wheeler on vocals. The second title reached number one in the UK.

Despite the band's split, the Soul II Soul record label continues to trade in London.

Staff were shocked at the singer's death.

A spokeswoman for the record label said: "It is very sad news.

"From the Soul II Soul office's point of view it is very sad."

She said she had been unable to contact Jazzie B since learning of Ms Waddell's death.

Ms Waddell's neighbours were also shocked to learn of the tragedy.

Pinned to the letterbox at the flats was a note, scribbled on a piece of torn brown envelope, reading: "Back in five mins, D," and signed with a kiss. No one was at her home during the weekend.

Neighbours described her as a pleasant and friendly character who would pop round to their flats for a coffee and a chat. She kept her past musical acclaim hidden.

Neighbour Steve Price said: "She came round when she was hard up and we gave her money but she always paid it back.

"She had a few late night scenes with her boyfriend outside the house. She was a bit of a wild child. I think she had a tough time.

"She was a very well spoken lady. I think she was quite intelligent."

Mr Price said she talked fondly about her son, on whom she doted.

But he regularly heard rows emanating from her flat which would often end with windows being broken as objects were thrown.

Ms Waddell had lived at Clarendon Villas for about three months but came from Southend, Essex, and neighbours said she had relatives in Australia and America.

Ricky Maculada, who shares a flat with Mr Price, said: "I know sometimes when I was singing karaoke she would say 'Oh Ricky, that is good singing'.

"She was always very friendly to both of us.

"Her son, about four or five, is a beautiful child. Sometimes they would go out into the garden."

Mr Maculada said he and Mr Price often used to hear Ms Waddell playing Soul II Soul style music but she never told them she was in the band.

Ms Waddell was a member of Mosaic, a Brighton and Hove community group for black and mixed race people.

A spokeswoman said many members were friends of Ms Waddell.

She said: "On February 17 Doreen sang for us for the last time at our gospel event. This is a beautiful and lasting memory. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Doreen's family and friends."

Brighton DJ Carl Moses said: "She had a beautiful voice and she contributed heavily to the Soul II Soul sound."

Ms Waddell had a conviction for shoplifting from Woolworths in Blatchington Road, Hove, last December.