A woman and young girl have died in hospital after being knocked down by a car driven by a pensioner suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The victims were pedestrians who were ‘seriously injured’ in Victoria Road, Plymouth, Devon, at around 9.45am this morning being struck by the vehicle.
Sgt Steve Hawkins, of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, told ITV that ‘very tragically a young five-year-old child and a female have since died as a result of this collision’.
A 74-year-old woman from Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, police confirmed. She was also arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs or drink and remains in custody.
The main road remains closed this evening as police inquiries continue and bus routes have been cancelled.
A woman and young girl were fatally injured in Victoria Road, Plymouth, Devon, at around 9.45am this morning. An office is pictured at the scene as police carry out their investigation
A 74-year-old woman from Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. She was also arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs or drink. Investigators are pictured at the scene of the crash today
Police are asking for any witnesses to contact them with information or dashcam footage quoting log 240 of March 24th.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘A young girl and a woman both sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital by ambulance. Police have since been informed that they have both died. Their next of kin have been informed.
‘A 74-year-old woman from Plymouth has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and of driving while unfit through drink or drugs.’
The names of the victims have not yet been revealed.
Sgt Hawkins told the news outlet that police, including forensic crash scene investigators, attended the scene along with fire and ambulance crews.
South Western Ambulance Service reportedly sent three ambulances, two air ambulances and a rapid response vehicle to the scene.
has approached the ambulance service for comment.