Children die after car hits walkers

Two children have died after a car ploughed into a group of five pedestrians

West Midlands Police said the girls, aged six and seven, were taken to hospital after the incident in Handsworth, Birmingham, around noon yesterday "but despite the best efforts of medical staff died shortly afterwards".

A 34-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Four children and a woman were involved in the incident. They were reportedly crossing the road in front of a parked bus in Grove Lane when they were hit by the car.

Police said a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy were being treated for serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. A 39-year-old woman remains in a critical condition.

Sgt Steve Newbury, from the force's Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We still continue to investigate the circumstances around this tragic incident and officers continue to liaise with the family of those involved.

"I am appealing for witnesses to come forward in particular I want passengers who were travelling on the number 101 bus at around noon along Grove Lane towards Oxhill road to call me or one of my team."

Anyone with information is urged to call the Collision Investigation Unit on 101.