The family of a British mum who died in a hit-and-run in Tenerife has appealed for holidaymakers who may have seen what happened to come forward.

Relatives launched the appeal after Spanish authorities dropped the investigation and refused to reopen the case.

Michelle Exton, 50, died on holiday in the Golf del Sur resort 10 days before Christmas after she was hit by a white van that mounted the pavement.

Michelle, from Dronfield, Derbyshire, was taken to hospital but died four days later from head injuries.

Her mum, Ann, 75, was also hit and taken to hospital with serious rib injuries.

The two women were by the road leading from Las Chafiras to Golf del Sur when the crash happened at about 8.30pm local time on Sunday, 11 December, 2022. 

Following the collision, the driver briefly got out of the vehicle and saw the couple on the ground, before driving off, lawyers for the family say.

Spanish Police launched a hunt to trace the van driver, but three weeks later, a judge ‘stayed’ the investigation, meaning the case was closed and police were effectively barred from investigating further.

Lawyers for Michelle’s family filed court documents last month asking for the case to be reopened.

But the family found out this week their application has been rejected, so lawyers have appealed the latest decision.

In the meantime, the family is appealing for witnesses, including British holidaymakers, to come forward.

The driver is described as a white man, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with a bald or closely shaven head. The passenger side wing mirror of the white van fell off in the collision and was left behind at the scene.

Police believe that the van could have been a Renault Traffic, a Nissan Primastar or a Vauxhall Vivaro.

Michelle’s daughter Sophia, 23, said: “We know nothing can bring her back but we now want to help her by at least establishing answers as to what happened and obtaining justice in her memory.

“We can’t thank enough those people who have already come forward with information about the collision.

“However, we need as much detail as possible to hopefully make the Spanish authorities see why the investigation needs to be re-opened so we’d be so grateful for any further details.

“Even the smallest piece of information could make all the difference.” 

Irwin Mitchell Associate Solicitor James Riley, who has taken on the case, said: “Understandably Michelle’s family are extremely disappointed that the application to re-open the proceedings has been turned down. However, we’re determined to help them and so we have appealed the decision.

“We urge the Spanish authorities to work alongside us and Michelle’s family so they can be provided with the answers they deserve.”