A jogger who has died after being hit by a car during a run has been named by friends as mother-of-two Alex Weatherley.

Mrs Weatherley was tragically killed in the crash just after 8am on Sunday at Chigwell Rise, Chigwell.

She was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a car which then collided with a tree.

Karate instructor Rod Butler, of Shotokan Karate club, paid tribute to Mrs Weatherley, who lived in Woodford Green.

He wrote on Facebook: “Today, we lost one of our members in a tragic and fatal accident. Not just a club member but the wife of Dominic and the mother of two wonderful sons.

“She was also a tremendous and talented athlete who had the most wonderful sense of humour.

“Generous of heart and always giving to others, Alex Weatherley will be greatly missed by us all for her sense of fun and the laughter she so generously spread to all she new.

“We will all do our best to support Dominic, Ethan and Orlando during the difficult weeks and months ahead.”

Essex Police are appealing for information following the crash on Sunday morning, which involved a blue Skoda.

Passengers in the vehicle were treated for slight injuries and the 18-year-old driver was arrested in connection with the crash.

He was bailed until September 5 pending further enquiries.

The road was closed for five hours while initial forensic investigations were carried out.

Witnesses or anyone with information about events leading to the incident should contact the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Did you know Alex Weatherley? Share your tributes by emailing laura.burnip@archant.co.uk.