'Lively woman' unlawfully killed

Olive Stephen was well known in the area, police said

A verdict of unlawful killing has been recorded on a 91-year-old woman who was knocked down and then driven over by a hit-and-run driver in Leeds.

Olive Stephens was hit by a silver Citroen Xsara on Longroyd View in Beeston in July 2006. The "lively" lady later died in Leeds Infirmary.

Police identified the owner of the vehicle as Tian Bin Xue, but he has since disappeared.

West Yorkshire Police are treating the death as manslaughter.

Det Supt Paul Taylor told the inquest: "Tian Bin Xue is still sought in connection with this incident and he will be interviewed when we find him.

"We have made lot and lots of inquiries, including television appeals.

"It is quite clear from his friends and acquaintances that he no longer frequents the haunts he used to in Leeds. It is quite clear he is out of the area."

Police are still looking for Tian Bin Xue

The coroner, David Hinchliff was told the Chinese national was in the area for an interview as a chef at a nearby takeaway and was leaving the area in his car when the incident happened.

After the hearing, the investigating officer revealed the suspect had entered the UK illegally and he was possibly living among the Chinese community in another city.

Tian Bin Xue was aged 33 at the time of the incident. It is believed he may have connections to Manchester, Birmingham and London.

The inquest was told Mrs Stephens was knocked down by the car and dragged underneath it, damaging some of the car.

Witness Steven Dickinson said he saw Mrs Stephens knocked down by the reversing car and then run over for a second time.

"He just drove away at speed," he told the inquest.

Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of unlawful killing saying it was more than a "routine road traffic accident".

He added: "The driver must have been aware there was a problem. Had he stopped and investigated he would have very quickly realised what had happened."