A Southend singer who starred with chart-topping dance band Soul II Soul was run over and killed as she fled a store after being caught shoplifting, police said today.

Doreen Waddell, 36, who had a four-year-old son, was challenged by staff at a Tesco store in Shoreham, West Sussex.

She ran from the store and tried to cross the nearby A27, but was struck by three cars and died later in hospital.

Goods from the store, including children's items, were found in the road.

Today Sussex police said Ms Waddell, who had lived in Hove for three months but formerly in Southend and sang on Soul II Soul's 1989 Club Classics Volume I album, had been killed in the accident on Friday.

Ms Waddell used the stage name Do'reen and was the band's main vocalist on the hit song Feel Free.

It is understood she fled Tesco via a rear fire exit after being chased by security staff.

Neighbours expressed their shock at her death. Ricky Maculada said: "She was always very friendly. Her son was a beautiful child."

Musical collective Soul II Soul, led by Jazzie B, released five albums between 1989 and 1995, the first considered a classic.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002