POLICE say the vehicle involved in the crash which killed youngster Jade Clark is not necessarily silver as was previously reported.

The news came as the 16-year-old’s family made an emotional appeal to the driver of the Volvo XC90 to come forward, saying: “You must be finding this hard to live with.”

The bubbly teenager was on her way to a party in St Ives on Sunday, February 24 when she was knocked off her red moped on the A31, near the Fish Inn, at 8.23pm.

Jade’s mother, Sharon Clark, said: “To lose Jade the way we did is what’s hardest to bear. For a driver to cause Jade’s accident and then drive away, leaving her alone in the road, is almost too difficult to believe.

“To that driver, I would say please, please come forward and contact the police. You must be finding this hard to live with, especially if you have children of your own.

“To anyone else who knows this driver, or knows where the car might be, please contact the police as soon as possible.”

“From the moment we were given this awful news, the family have been devastated. Jade was such a lovely girl. Losing her has left a hole in our hearts and our lives that will never fill. She was a wonderful daughter, step-daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. So many people have so many nice things about Jade and I’d like to thank all of them for their kindness.”

Jade’s stepfather Daniel Clark, her grandmother Linda Pidgley and father Billy Herald were also at the press conference.

Traffic inspector Matt Butler, who is leading the case, said: “There’s no indication of whether the driver was male or female, and we cannot prove what colour the car is.

“I particularly appeal to the driver to get in touch – you can see the distress this has caused Jade’s family. Please do the right thing.

“The front of the vehicle will be damaged. If anyone is aware of a Volvo XC90 which has sustained damage or has been repaired in the last few days, they should call the police urgently.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A reward of £1,000 who comes forward with information which leads to an arrest.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Martyn Underhill has vowed to monitor safety on the A31.

Martyn Underhill said: “I have been briefed by the Force on this issue and my thoughts are obviously with the family at this terrible time.”

“I have also requested that I receive a briefing on the summary of accidents on this stretch of road, in order that I can be properly sighted on the issues.”

“If, as I suspect, there is a real case here for lowering the speed, then I will work with the local MP’s, partners and the Hampshire PCC to address the issue.”

“We must not let County Borders infringe on what appears to be a real road safety issue, and I welcome the Hampshire PCC’s and local MP’s position on this.”