What we know so far after 'beautiful' 22-year-old is killed in Oswestry hit-and-run

The incident in Willow Street occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. Two people were hit and taken to hospital for treatment, where one Rebecca Steer - died shortly after arrival.

Since then, the police investigation has moved quickly with four arrests made and the other victim being discharged from hospital.

Here's what we know so far as people in the town continue to come to terms with what has happened.

What happened

West Mercia Police said the two pedestrians were on the pavement outside Grill Out in Willow Street at around 2.50am on Sunday when a car mounted the kerb and hit them before being driven off from the scene.

Passers-by went to the pedestrians' aid before emergency services arrived at the scene. Both were taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by land ambulance.

Speaking on Sunday, Detective Inspector Paul Bettison praised those who stopped to help.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who worked tirelessly at the scene to help the victims and deliver crucial first aid," he said.

Victims

Police have named the woman who died as 22-year-old Rebecca Steer. She succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Rebecca had been a pupil at at Carreghofa Primary, in Llanymynech, and Llanfyllin High School. More recently she had been studying at Liverpool John Moores University, and was described by her family as ‘the most loving, talented and kind-hearted person you could ever wish to know’.

In a statement they said: “We are all completely devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl Rebecca.

“She always had a smile and a laugh that made everybody love her and she will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.

“She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend anyone could ask for. Rest in peace beautiful girl."

They have asked everyone to respect their privacy at this time.

On Monday it was confirmed that the second person had been released from hospital.

Tributes

Oswestry mayor, Councillor Jay Moore, said: "My thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim. Not only as mayor and representative of the council but as a resident of our town."

Liverpool John Moores University also paid tribute to Rebecca, saying it was "privileged to have her as a student".

She had been studying criminal justice and wanted to become a police officer.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The whole university community is stunned and extremely saddened.

"Becky was an excellent, dedicated student with a real ambition to be a police officer. She was the one that stayed behind to ask questions after every session.

“A budding talent and admirable young woman, we were privileged to have her as a student.

“Becky will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones at this tragic time.”

A fundraising page has also been set up to help Rebecca's family.

A post on the page read: "Llanymynech suffered a deep loss this weekend with the tragic death of a much-loved, and incredibly young resident. Many in our community were friends with her, or her family, and we send out love and support to them all."

The fundraiser said that after discussions with Oswestry Angels, Llanymynech Helping Hands CIC (formerly the Covid Support Group) would set up a fund to assist the family as "they are residents of this community and I’m sure we all would like to help in any small way we can".

As of Tuesday afternoon it had raised more than £6,000. The fundraiser can be found here.

Police investigation

Willow Street remained closed throughout Sunday while police combed the area for evidence.

"A cordon is in place at the scene and Willow Street remains closed," a police spokesperson said on Sunday. This is likely to be the case for some time. Please avoid the area."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help is asked to report it via the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 90 of October 9. If you are unable to report this online call 101.

Arrests

On Sunday the force confirmed a 28-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. A gold-coloured car was also taped off by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: “Thank you to the public for sharing our appeal and coming forward with information which has been vital in making this arrest."

On Monday a spokesperson said the man arrested remained in custody and that no court appearance was expected.

Later that day police announced that a further three men had been arrested - a 27-year-old on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and a 31-year-old and 46-year-old on suspicion of assisting an offender.

On Tuesday the force said officers had bailed the men aged 31 and 46, who had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. A 28-year-old man from Oswestry arrested on suspicion of murder has also been bailed.

Man charged

On Wednesday a man appeared in court charged with Rebecca's murder.

Stephen McHugh appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court via video link from Telford Police Station.

The 27-year-old of Artillery Road, Park Hall, Oswestry, was told he faces charges of murdering Rebecca Steer between 2.50am and 3am at Oswestry on October 9, and of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Kyle Roberts.

The court later heard that McHugh also faces charges of failing to stop after a road traffic accident, and using a motor vehicle on a public road without third-party insurance.

No pleas were entered and he was due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday.