A 30-year-old woman was mowed down and killed by a hit-and-run driver only yards from her front door.

Michelle Dever had parked and was crossing the road to her house when she was knocked over by a blue Ford Fiesta.

Paramedics fought to save her life at the scene in Brighton Road, Lancing, but she was declared dead later in hospital.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in London and was being held by police last night after the Fiesta was found dumped in a car park in nearby Beach Green, less than a mile away.

Police believe Ms Dever was hit just as she reached the pavement on the other side.

One of her best friends, Graham Cassidy, 30, was one of a stream of mourners laying flowers at the scene yesterday.

He said: "She was absolutely one of the nicest, kindest people you could ever wish to meet. She had so many friends, everyone just loved her. It always happens to the nicest people."

Relatives arrived from London during the morning to lay roses and carnations.

By 5pm about 15 bunches of flowers had been laid in an impromptu shrine at the scene of the crash, along with messages of condolence.

One said: "Will miss u always and forever, Sabrina, Mark, Lucia." Another read: "Dear Michelle, thinking of you always, Den, Steve, Shaun, Stephen, Terri, Sam."

Neighbours described Ms Dever as a "lovely girl" who always appeared happy.

One said: "She would always give us a wave and a smile - she was a super girl."

Ms Dever's mother visited the scene yesterday afternoon and spent about two hours inside the home her daughter rented near the Kia garage in Brighton Road.

Many members of the family were too upset to speak but stayed by the side of the road looking at the flowers, hugging and holding hands.

Ms Dever was hit at about 10.40pm on Thursday. Neighbours said they heard a loud screeching noise as the car slammed on its brakes and then a loud thud as it hit her.

Andrew Lawrence, 28, who lives four doors away, called the ambulance.

He said: "We heard tremendous screeching noises - really, really loud and then a smash.

"I ran out and saw her in a very bad way and called the ambulance. My mate began giving her first aid. She was drifting in and out of consciousness and the ambulance arrived and took over."

Mr Lawrence said large groups from other houses rushed out to help Ms Dever.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "There was a huge thud as the car hit. Imagine the sound of a car ramming into another at high speed and you've got the sound. The motorbikes and cars go up and down this road at 100 miles per hour sometimes and it can be very dangerous."

Linda Penfold, 46, of Brighton Road, said: "It's the second serious accident we've had here in a few months."

Brighton Road was closed on Thursday night as police and ambulance crews cleared the scene.

The car which hit Ms Dever was taken away by crash investigators.

Police officers and teams carried out spot checks on motorists yesterday, trying to piece together what happened. They are appealing for witnesses to call 0845 6070999, quoting Operation Tor.