A FAMILY are devastated after police decided to no longer investigate a horrific hit-and-run which has left a young woman in a wheelchair.

Danielle Winter, 23, was crossing Link Road, Canvey, when a white Transit van smashed into her.

She was taken to hospital and has had to have metal plates and pins permanently put in her ankles after her bones were shattered.

She has been left struggling to walk following the collision on Monday, March 20 - and unable to work at Southend Hospital as a lab technician.

Although she is starting to make a slow recovery and will eventually walk again, she has been dealt a devastating blow with the news that Essex Police are no longer investigating the crash.

Her mum Karen, 50, a doctor’s receptionist, told the Echo that although her daughter had the cast taken off her leg this week, she is still continuing to use her wheelchair at all times.

She said that Danielle is very determined and wants to get back on her feet as soon as possible.

She added: “She has had the cast off on Friday.

“It is really good news but unfortunately she still needs to use the wheelchair.

“She can’t put weight on her foot properly.

“The doctors have given her crutches and have referred her to physiotherapy.

“It has been eight weeks since the accident and she is still having to continuously use the wheelchair.

“She is feeling fed up at the moment, as she is keen to get back to work.

“She is very determined that she wants to get back to work as soon as she possibly can.”

Mrs Winter said that investigating officers have since been in touch to say that the case has been closed.

She said: “They said that they have no hope of finding the man who did this .

“I think it is absolutely devastating to hear, how can he just get away with it?

“She has been off work for two months now and doesn’t know when she will be going back.

“But at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel as her recovery continues.”

Essex Police were contacted for comment.

If anyone has any information to help the police track down the person responsible for the hit-and-run they can call Essex Police on 101 or crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Alternatively visit crimestoppers-uk.org to complete an online form.