A TEENAGER hit and killed by a car last night has been named locally as Lauren Malt - with a man held over her "murder".

       The 19-year-old was rushed to hospital after the crash in a cul-de-sac in West Winch, Norfolk, shortly before 7.30pm but died a short time later.

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       Lauren Malt died after being hit by a car in West Winch, Norfolk, last night Credit: Facebook / Lauren Malt 4

       The 19-year-old was rushed to hospital but died a short time later Credit: Facebook / Lauren Malt

       The driver, in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of murder and causing death by dangerous driving.

       It is understood a man, who has not been named, was allegedly behind the wheel and of the smash - then drove her to hospital, five miles away.

       One resident of Leete Way who asked not to be named said: “We heard a loud bang and a load of people shouting and screaming, followed by the sound of a car speeding off."

       Another neighbour said: “It’s horrendous. I saw the flashing lights of the police cars late in the evening."

       A cordon remains in place at the scene on Leete Way while investigations are carried out.

       In the hours after the death, friends described Lauren as "a wonderful and caring young person".

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       Kaiya-j Eglen, who described Lauren as her best friend, wrote: "You my dear angel meant the world to me and I'm so sorry you're gone.

       "I can't quite get my head around it. My rock. My little bean. My best friend.

       "We had so many plans but now we're apart. I miss will you every waking moment my love."

       Caitlan McGregor commented: "I'll miss her every day. She had a heart of gold."

       And Dylan Cooper added: "She was truly one of a kind and will be missed by so many.

       "Such a wonderful, caring young person taken from us too soon."

       Sheila Raddon, who is understood to be Lauren's grandmother, also paid tribute to the "beautiful" teen.

       A spokesperson for Norfolk Constabulary said: "Police have launched a murder investigation following an incident near King’s Lynn on January 23.

       "Officers were called Leete Way in West Winch shortly before 7.30pm following reports of a disturbance in the street and that a woman had been hit by a car.

       "Units were deployed to the scene and following further information, officers were also dispatched to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where the casualty, a woman in her late teens, had been taken.

       "The woman was pronounced dead a short time later."

       Detective Chief Superintendent Kate Thacker said: "We’re in the early stages of our investigation however we can confirm those involved are known to one another.

       "Leete Way has been closed in both direction while initial scene enquiries are carried out and officers will be working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

       Anyone with information about the incident who hasn’t yet spoken with officers should call police on 101 quoting incident number 361.

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       Police at the scene in West Winch, Norfolk 4

       Friends paid tribute to Lauren in the hours after the death Credit: facebook/kaiyaj.eglen