UPDATED: Police name fatal crash victim

The victim has been formally identified as 20-year-old student Milda Okunyte, from Lithuania.

She died at Royal Preston Hospital after being found seriously injured on Preston New Road, in Clifton, on Tuesday night following a suspected hit-and-run collision.

It is understood her family met with police on the Fylde coast last night after two days of speculation over her identity on social media.

Police said Miss Okunyte was living in Preston and studied at the University of Central Lancashire.

Investigations into her death are ongoing and officers are appealing for information as they piece together her final movements.

Sgt Sean Cunningham, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly passed away and specialist officers are supporting her family at this difficult time.

“I’d like to thank those who have already come forward but we would still like to speak to anyone with information about the incident.

“Similarly, we are keen to piece together the final movements of Milda and how she came to be on Preston New Road.

“Did you see a young woman matching her description in the area on Tuesday? Any information you have could help us with our enquiries.”

Police said Miss Okunyte was last seen at 3pm on Tuesday in Preston town centre.

At 10.50pm that evening, officers were called to reports of a woman lying in the road.

Miss Okunyte is described as white, approximately 5ft 10ins and of slim build. She had long dark hair that came to the middle of her back that appeared to have feathers woven into it.

She was wearing black Nike trainers, jeans and a grey hooded top.

A 26-year-old man from St Annes who was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident has been bailed until May 29 and is assisting police with their inquiries.

It is understood Miss Okunyte is originally from Kaunas, in Lithuania.

According to her Facebook page, she is an artist and started at UCLAN last year.

A post-mortem examination will now take place to determine the cause of death.

A number of tributes have been left on social media.

One mourner wrote: “Can’t believe we’ll never see your beautiful face again. Such a wonderful, bright and loving person. I know you’ll always be with us in spirit.”

Another posted on Facebook: “I cannot believe you have been taken so young, it just doesn’t feel real, your beautiful spirit will live on.”

A third person added: “It was a privilege to know you, even for such a short time. You taught me so much.”

It is still not known how Miss Okunyte came to be in the road, which is a notorious accident black spot.

Call police on 101 with any information.