Hit-and-run victim named

The 27-year-old eoman was struck by the vehicle on Morrin Road, St Johns at approximately 5.15am yesterday. Photo / File

Police have released the name of a woman who died after being struck by a car which failed to stop as she walked home from an east Auckland nightclub on Saturday morning.

Apulu Faafua, 27, died in Auckland Hospital last night.

She had been at the Le Puha Nightclub on Morrin Rd, St Johns, when she was hit at about 5.15am on Saturday.

Detective Senior Sergeant James Robson said Ms Faafua had suffered serious head injuries and was unable to speak to police before she died.

Her family were "extremely distressed'' by her death and have requested privacy.

Mr Robson said a print media report suggesting the driver involved was believed to have followed Ms Faafua from the nightclub was without any basis of fact.

"Such assertions are not helpful to the police investigation,'' he said.

Police said the car involved was a grey sedan or station wagon, possibly a Ford Falcon, which was likely to have sustained frontal damage. It was last seen on Morrin Rd heading in the direction of College Rd, St Johns.

Glen Innes police want to speak to anyone who was at the club or who saw the car leave the carpark at around 5am.

Anyone with information can contact Mr Robson on (09) 524 1936 or 027 496 7886, or call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.