A CALLOUS driver suspected of leaving a pretty legal assistant for dead in a horrific car accident is being hunted by police.

Laura Fisher-Lathwell, 23, was driving her Vauxhall Tigra on her way to meet friends when she was involved in a collision with a Citroen ZX.

Two of the four people in the Citroen remained in the vehicle because of their injuries while two others, including the suspected driver, fled the scene.

Police are now seeking witnesses to the crash.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "Police have been told that the Citroen driver and another person fled the scene and that is what we are investigating.

"We are appealing for the driver and the other person to come forward voluntarily, or for anyone with information on who they may be to come forward."

Laura, a probate executive with IoW property lawyers Terrence Willey & Co, was taken from the crash scene at Calbourne on the Isle of Wight to hospital where she was pronounced dead in the early hours of Easter Monday.

Two men, aged 22 and 23, are helping police with their inquiries.

This week Laura's distraught parents, Brian and Chris, of Albert Street, Ryde, spoke of their sorrow at losing the daughter they said was "the lynchpin of the family".

Coach driver Mr Fisher-Lathwell said: "Laura had such a love of life and touched so many people.

"She was a strong person, quite a feisty girl, but there was a warmth about her that brightened up our lives. She was at the centre of our family and we'll all miss her terribly

Laura's mother said: "I am losing a friend as well as a daughter.

"Laura had a pride about her and huge moral values."

Laura was the couple's only daughter but they have two older sons, Tim and Simon, who referred to Laura as their "baby sister"'

Laura had worked at Terence Willey & Co for almost five years, beginning as a receptionist and progressing to the role of probate executive, and staff held a 15-minute memorial service at the Ryde office on Tuesday.

Mr Willey said: "Having to say farewell to a talented colleague of 23 is the most difficult and sad of times.

"She will be sadly missed, and the thoughts of everyone here are with Laura's family."