A DUDLEY mother-of-five has been tragically killed in a hit and run crash in Manchester.

Paula Jolly, aged 37, was pronounced dead at the scene on the day before Christmas Eve outside an ASDA in the Hulme area of the city.

Her boyfriend Michael Ward, 45, died on Christmas Eve morning due to the injuries he sustained when the pair were mown down by a speeding car.

Ms Jolly was in Manchester to celebrate Christmas with her family which she had been recently reunited.

Her mother Sylvia Duddle, 61, said: “We were in contact again, it was like a fresh start.  “She was supposed to be coming to one of my other daughter’s houses today and stay for Christmas.”

She added: “I’m absolutely devastated. I feel broken - like my heart has been ripped out.”

Ms Jolly also leaves behind five sisters, four brothers and a step-brother.  Her boyfriend leaves behind ten children, one of whom, Mike Ward, was a finalist in last year's The Voice singing competition.

The couple were crossing the busy Princess Road at the junction of Greenheys Lane outside an Asda superstore at about 10.15pm on Tuesday, December 23.

Two men, aged 20 and 59, and two women, aged 19 and 47, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remain in police custody for questioning.