A nine-year-old who died after being hit by a car in Melbourne has been described as a courageous and beautiful girl.
Aluel Ajak was struck by a car on Shaws Road in Werribee about 9.15pm on Wednesday.
The driver, a woman believed to be aged in her 50s, stopped at the scene and is assisting police.
Ajak's family told reporters she climbed out a window at their home.
Mother Adit Deng was comforted by loved ones as she choked back tears describing her beautiful girl.
"This girl, she is the one who helped me - night time, day time," Ms Deng told reporters.
Koni Atem said her sister was very courageous.
"Even though she was younger than me I feel like she was way braver than me," she said.
Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis thanked passers-by who stopped to help.
"It's a very confronting scene, particularly given the age and vulnerability of the child," he said.
"It takes a tremendous amount of courage for those witnesses to stop and do what they did."
The driver was taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital for observation.
