A retired police officer has been killed moments after snapping a photo of a 4WD that then allegedly mowed her down – sparking a massive 14-hour manhunt. 

Lisa Ward, 55, was walking her dog near Ulmarra Showground, north of Grafton in northern NSW just before 5pm on Tuesday when she came across a white Nissan Patrol she had previously reported for alleged dangerous driving. 

Police believe an altercation took place after she took a photo of the registration plate of the allegedly doing burnouts at the showground on Coldstream Street.

The driver allegedly accelerated towards and then struck Ms Ward before driving off.

Ms Ward suffered serious injuries and couldn’t be revived.

Following inquiries, police seized a 4WD in South Grafton on Wednesday morning.

A 50-year-old man was arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where inquiries are ongoing. No charges have yet been laid.  

It’s understood Ms Ward was a highly respected police officer within the Coffs and Clarence ranks before she retired from the force a few years ago. 

Shocked locals told The Daily Telegraph that Ms Ward was well-known in the close-knit community and was known to walk her dog at the showground every afternoon.

‘[She] was a lovely person,’ another local posted online.

It’s understood Ms Ward’s son followed in her footsteps and is a serving officer at Grafton Police.

The showground remained a cordoned-off crime scene on Wednesday.

‘Witnesses have informed detectives that the vehicle has moved towards the 55-year-old female and there has been an altercation,’ Detective Acting Superintendent Guy Flaherty told reporters.

‘The vehicle has left the scene and we believe the 55-year-old has been struck by the vehicle.

‘The crime scene at Ulmarra Showground remains active with extensive inquiries being done by forensics.

‘Detectives will be re-canvassing the area today.’

Anybody with information about the movements of the Nissan Patrol in the local area in recent days is urged to contact Grafton Police or Crime Stoppers.