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Teenage girl dies in hit-and-run Teenage girl dies in hit-and-run
(about 10 hours later)
A 15-year-old girl has died in a hit-and-run accident. The mother of a 15-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run incident has paid tribute to her "bubbly" daughter.
The girl was hit by two vehicles - the first of which left the scene - in Basildon, Essex, on Friday night, a police spokeswoman said. Megan Cowell died after being struck by at least two cars in Basildon, Essex, on Friday night.
The incident happened in Clay Hill Road near The Barge pub. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still trying to trace the driver of a silver or grey saloon, which left the scene of the accident in Clay Hill Road near The Barge pub.
Officers would like to trace a silver vehicle and its occupant seen at the time of the accident. The road remains closed on Saturday. Police said Megan's mother, who does not wish to be named, said her daughter was a "real live wire".
Any witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 2300 GMT should contact Essex Police. A police spokeswoman said the accident happened at about 2300 GMT.
'Driver crying'
The saloon initially stopped and the occupants - believed to be three men - got out.
One witness said the driver was crying when he saw the teenager lying in the road.
But the vehicle left the scene before police and ambulance crews arrived.
The driver of the saloon is described as being in his 40s and wearing a bright-coloured top.
A police spokeswoman said the teenager was then struck by a Ford Mondeo driven by a local man.
He and his passengers are currently helping police with their inquiries.
The spokeswoman said that while officers believe the dead girl is Megan she has yet to be formally identified.
'Brilliant swimmer'
A post-mortem examination is due to take place early next week.
Megan lived with her mother and step-father in Vange, Basildon, and had an older brother and sister who live locally.
Her family said in a statement tonight: "Megan was a very popular teenager. She loved music, was an expert on the dance mat and a brilliant swimmer.
"She was part of an alternative education programme where she studied in a classroom two days a week and worked three days a week at Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon learning landscaping and park keeping."
Police are appealing to the driver and occupants of the silver or grey saloon to call Essex Police.