PEOPLE working close by a fatal road incident at the pelican crossing in Dragon Street in Petersfield say although they didn’t see the collision between the female pedestrian and lorry they realised almost immediately it was serious.

Gaye Graham of Rama Hair Group in the High Street said: “When I looked out of the salon window I saw a silver lorry and a person with an umbrella lying on the ground.

“It all happened really quickly. The police came in and told us to close the blinds. I am glad I didn’t see it happen. It’s really, really awful.”

Nicky Noble of Henry Adams estate agent in the High Street said: “We didn’t see anything but heard someone shout ‘someone’s been knocked down’.

Said a staff member at The Natural Apothecary in Heath Road said: “We were completely in a bubble and didn’t know anything had happened until a customer came in and told us.”

Some witnesses said a passing medic, believed to be a doctor, did all he could to try and save the woman.

All three emergency services were on scene soon after the first 999 call at about 2pm.

More than half-a-dozen police cars were involved in shutting down roads leading to Dragon Street, and three fire engines, along with an ambulance, shielded the victim from view.

Nearby shops were asked by police to close the blinds on windows overlooking the pelican crossing, and pedestrians were turned away.

The victim was pronounced dead at about 3.15pm.