A Galway woman who died after she was struck by a bus in London earlier this week has been remembered as a "whirlwind ... who lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy’.

56-year-old Catherine (Kathleen) Finnegan was struck at Victoria Bus Station just before 9am on Monday.

The Galway woman died at the scene “despite the best efforts of the emergency services,” the London Metropolitan Police said.

In a statement, her family described her as a “beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend”.

“She will be remembered as a very unique lady who had the fast Irish wit and who made her family and friends so very proud of her bright, clever personality," they said.

"She was a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy.

"She will be forever in our hearts."

The driver of the bus, a woman in her 40s, was taken to hospital and later discharged.

An investigation into the Galway woman’s death is currently ongoing and any witnesses of the collision are asked to contact the Metropolitan Police.

Main image: Catherine Finnegan from Galway. Image: Metropolitan Police