PICTURED: Mum and her two dogs tragically killed in hit and run in Manford Way three days before Christmas

THIS is the first picture of a woman and her two dogs tragically killed in a suspected hit and run three days before Christmas.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after the fatal road accident in Hainault, east London.

The driver of the car has now been arrested and bailed.

She has yet to be formally identified but has been named on social media as Marie Louise Theobald, from Chigwell.

Police were called at 5:09pm on Friday after a car, believed to be a white Seat Leon, was in collision with a pedestrian who was walking with two dogs.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and the two dogs were also killed.

A Met spokesman said: "The driver of the car failed to stop at the scene, and the Seat Leon was located nearby shortly after the collision. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the registered keeper of this vehicle. There has been no arrest at this stage."

The woman's daughter Chloe Jeakins posted on Facebook to thank well wishers.

She said: "Thank you everybody for your kind and supportive messages.

"It was my amazing mum and our two dogs that were hit and I know she would have appreciated all of your kindness so much."

Her mum Marie Theobald (top image) also had a Facebook account which included a picture of two dogs, understood to be the ones that died.

A gofundme page has been set up to raise money for her devastated family. It raised more than £3,000 in the first four hours.

Leah Verri, who set it up, wrote: "On the 22nd December 2023 my friends Mum Marie Louise Theobald and two dogs were tragically killed in a hit and run.

"Marie has left behind a daughter and a son, as you could imagine this has absolutely broken them as a family.

"If we can help just a little bit and take some stress off their shoulders by raising some funds to cover the cost of funeral expenses I know that they will be very grateful.

"I know times are hard with the cost of living but any donation big or small will be very much appreciated, if your not in a position to donate sharing this page will also be very much appreciated so we can reach as many people as possible, as with so many other people my heart is breaking for this family, taking off some financial burden will not only help them but give them the time they need to grieve together without having to worry financially."

In a statement released on Christmas Eve her family said: “Marie was a loving mother, partner, daughter, sister, niece and friend. Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first.

“The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together.

“The family ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.”

Anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101, ref CAD 5312/22dec. To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.