The 14-year-old dancer critically injured in a hit and run last week died yesterday afternoon.

Alessia Boschiazzo, 14, had been in a coma for a week after being mowed down by a car in Morland Road, Croydon last Friday at 7pm.

She was crossing the road to visit friends when she was hit by a speeding car.

The student, who attends Ursuline High School in Wimbledon, was catapulted across the road and the driver then accelerated away, leaving her for dead.

Her killer is still at large and a manhunt has been launched for the driver and registered owner of the car.

Witnesses described the driver as a white man, believed to be in his 20s, with short hair.

A green Renault Clio was seen speeding away from the scene and was found a short time later, burnt out in Davies Close.

Iain Beaton, who works at Classic Automobiles in Morland Road, has video footage of the accident which shows the car swerving to avoid the girl, and then spinning again before driving away at high speed towards Norwood Junction.

Mr Beaton said motorists stopped and helped Alessia while waiting for paramedics.

Louise Lister, the director of No Limit Dance and Arts Company where the 14-year-old trained as a dancer, described the teenager as “one of the most beautiful and talented girls I have ever met".

She said last week: “She is intelligent and does not deserve this. All the girls at the dance studio have been to visit her in hospital.

“I hope they catch whichever cold-hearted person did this.”

A family spokesman told the Croydon Guardian: “She is a beautiful, happy, active and fun-loving teenager. She loves dance, at which she is very talented, and was hopeful to gain a place at the Brits School in Croydon.

“With her dance troupe she raised money for charities."

Police are urgently appealing for witnesses to the incident or to anyone who has seen a green Renault Clio, with T861 JKP registration within the past month.

If you have any information call Catford collision investigation unit on 020 8285 1574 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Leave your tributes to Alessia below or call 07825715315 or email kwhalley@london.newsquest.co.uk