Department shop worker killed in collision - court

Ruth Myers, 65, worked at London department store Liberty

An inquest into the death of a woman killed in a suspected hit-and-run on Christmas Eve has been suspended so police can investigate further.

Ruth Myers, 65, died in Palmerston Road in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, at about 07:30 GMT.

"This lady was a pedestrian and was involved in a road traffic accident," coroner Michelle Brown told Essex Coroner's Court.

Ms Brown said she could not confirm Ms Myers' cause of death until several reports had been returned to her.

She suspended inquest proceedings at the request of Essex Police, which was investigating the incident.

The force said a 20-year-old man and two teenagers - aged 16 and 17 - were arrested in connection with Ms Myers' death and were released on bail.

'Heartbreaking loss'

Ms Myers worked at the London department store Liberty and was described as "vibrant, wonderful and elegant" by her family.

"No words can truly capture what a special person she was... she was the cornerstone of our family," they said, in a joint statement.

"She was taken from us far too soon and her sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss."

Officers arrested a man, 20, from Loughton; a boy, 17, from Dagenham and a boy, 16, from Chingford, on suspicion of driving offences, including causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

The 20-year-old was released on bail until 13 March, while the teenagers were bailed until 14 March.