POLICE were today hunting the driver of a black Range Rover they believe was involved in a hit-and-run incident that left a seven-year-old girl dead.

"Little Angel" Olivia Whiteside, of Gold Hey Street, Blackburn, was left dying in the road following the incident at 6.50pm on Thursday on the junction of Billinge Street and Dalton Close.

Police investigations have led to four arrests but officers believe the driver of the vehicle is still at large.

An eye witness tried to resuscitate her at the scene but the youngster was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where she died at 7.29pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hunter of Blackburn police today said: "An eye witness has provided details that the vehicle responsible for colliding with Olivia was a black Range Rover, a newish model with tinted windows to the rear and side with a clear windscreen.

"It had a chrome front grill and large air vents at the front wings and large low-profile tyres which had a lot of chrome on them.

"The driver was described as an Asian male in his late twenties or early thirties with short black hair on the back and sides and long curly hair on top with a broad nose."

Chief Insp Hunter added: "A seven-year-old girl has lost her life in tragic circumstances. We have a situation where the driver will know he has been involved in an accident and I appeal for them to come forward.

"Anybody who was at the scene of the accident we would really like to speak to as a matter of urgency."

The vehicle was last seen in the Billinge area, the main eye witness claiming to have seen it on numerous occasions in the area in the days leading up to the incident, police said.

Olivia was due to be staying with her Auntie on nearby Newton Street and was playing with her cousin when the tragedy occurred.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.