A 57-year-old woman was killed by a hit-and-run driver in a stolen car yards from her home, an inquest heard.

Jill Jenkin was still wearing her slippers when the Nissan Bluebird hit her in Sydenham Road, Catford, on the morning of February 8 last year.

Southwark Coroner's Court heard last Thursday how witnesses rushed to help Mrs Jenkin, who had lost her husband three months earlier.

Terry Weise, who crossed the road just before the accident, said in a statement: "When I stepped off the pavement I knew there was an old lady walking behind. I then heard a thud and saw the old lady rolling off the bonnet."

Mrs Jenkin died a fortnight later. Police traced the stolen vehicle to a used car dealership Leas Green, Chislehurst.

Owner Stuart Evans said the car was an "old banger" and he had been unconcerned when it was stolen on January 29.

Coroner Selena Lynch recorded a verdict of accidental death but added the inquest could be reopened if the police uncovered new evidence.

She concluded: "This is very hard for the family of Mrs Jenkin. I hope someone's conscience will get the better of them, or someone who knows them will come forward."

March 4, 2002 18:30