Pensioner dead and five injured in tragic crash on Boxing Day

Rosalie Richard, 91, of De La Warr Parade, was killed and five other people were injured when a Citroen Saxo collided with a Volkswagen Golf on the A21 at St John's Cross, near Robertsbridge.

The injured five, who included a five-year-old boy and 23-year-old woman, were treated in the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, before being released.

A neighbour from the retirement complex in which Mrs Richard lived spoke of her kindly and sociable nature within the building, saying: "She was just lovely.

"She was a kind and gentle lady, and people who know her will miss her."

The red Saxo, driven by a 60-year-old Bexhill woman, was travelling southbound carrying Mrs Richard, the five-year-old boy, who was from Surrey, and the 23-year-old woman when the accident happened shortly before 4.30pm.

The driver of the black Golf, a 48-year-old man, and his 45-year-old female passenger, both from London, received minor injuries.

Fire crews from Battle and Hastings used specialist equipment to cut four people from the wreckage.

Police closed the road for just over four hours to allow rescue, recovery and investigation work to take place.

Any witnesses to the collision or events leading up to it are asked to call 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Haxted.

Did you know Rosalie Richard, or see the accident happen? Please leave information or a tribute to Mrs Richard on the comments board below.