BUSINESSES in the South are now offering a further £10,000 reward as police continue to investigate a fatal road traffic collision on the A31.

Officers are still trying to trace the driver of a Volvo XC90 involved in the crash that killed Jade Clark, 16, from Ringwood, on February 24 and urge anyone with information to come forward.

The total reward being offered now stands at £15,000.

Jade was riding a red moped when she died, following a collision on the westbound carriageway of the A31, near the Ashley Heath roundabout. The collision took place at around 8.20pm.

A Volvo XC90, believed to be the first vehicle to collide with Jade, fled the scene before police arrived.

The local business community has rallied together to increase the existing reward.

Spencer McCarthy of Churchill Retirement Living, based in Ringwood, which has pledged £4,000, said: “Local people have been shocked and saddened by this tragic incident.

“The local business community is pleased to offer an additional £10,000 to increase the total reward to £15,000.”

Traffic Inspector Matt Butler added: “The continued support of the local community shows just how much the news of Jade’s death has affected people all over the country.

“Jade’s family have been totally devastated by their loss, understandably, but the manner of their loss makes it so much worse. Therefore it is essential that, for the family, we find the Volvo XC90 to try and give them some peace.

“Again, I am appealing for anyone with any information about the driver of the Volvo XC90 to get in touch as soon as possible.”

The £14,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an offender.

Crimestoppers is offering an additional £1,000 reward, also for information leading to the arrest and charge of an offender.

Members of the public will only be eligible for the Crimestoppers cash reward if they call the Crimestoppers line – 0800 555 111 – with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of an offender.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 24:393.