Police name man wanted in connection with fatal Boxing Day hit-and-run
Police have named the man they want to trace after a mother-of-two was killed in a hit-and-run during a pursuit on Boxing Day.
Damien Raeburn, 31, is being hunted by police after Susan Shaw, 47, was hit by a blue Vauxhall Corsa being chased by police, on High Street in Rishton, near Blackburn, Lancashire at 5.50pm on Boxing Day.
Ms Shaw, a charity fundraiser, died at the scene after suffering catastrophic injuries.
The Vauxhall Corsa failed to stop at the scene, but was recovered by police a short distance away.
Lancashire Police have today confirmed they want to speak to Raeburn in connection with the incident, and issued a photo of him appealing for information on his whereabouts.
He is described as white, 5ft 10ins, of medium build with short brown hair and has links to the Accrington and Rishton areas.
In a tribute, Ms Shaw’s family said: ‘She was well known within the local community in Rishton and spent a lot of time on local charitable causes, particularly Switched-On Rishton, which raises money throughout the year for Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town.
‘Susan was very creative and enjoyed crafting. She would sell items she had made to raise money for Switched-On Rishton.
‘Susan was a loving mother of two and also a much-loved daughter and sister and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
‘She was always generous with her time with friends and strangers alike and was loved by everyone.’
A fundraising website has also been set up to help with the costs of caring for Ms Shaw’s two disabled children, who are both believed to be in their 20s.
‘Susan was a well loved member of the community who was sadly killed in a hit and run on the 26 December 2017’, a message on the page states.
‘Funds will go towards funeral cost and caring for her two disabled children.’
Nearly £5,500 has been raised in under 24 hours of the page having been set up, along with plans to plant a tree in Ms Shaw’s memory, which would be lit every Christmas.
The plans were announced on the Facebook page for the Switch-On Rishton community group.
Member Nick Hayward wrote: ‘It is with a very heavy heart that news was given to me last night that one our fundraising superstars Susan Shaw was fatally injured in a hit and run on the High Street in Rishton.
‘Susan was an active member of the group – a tremendous help behind the scenes as well as taking part in the fundraising events that have been held over the years.’
Anyone with information on Damien Raeburn is asked to call police on 101 quoting ref 1204 of December 26 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
