Two pedestrians including girl, five, die after being hit by car in Plymouth as pensioner, 74, arrested

A PENSIONER has been arrested after a five-year-old girl and a woman died in a horror car crash.

Cops scrambled to the scene on Victoria Road in Plymouth, Devon, at 9.45am on Sunday after reports of a serious collision.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said that both pedestrians were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

But despite the best efforts of medical staff, the pair tragically died after succumbing to their injuries.

An elderly woman, 74,  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.

A large response from emergency services including Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service and an air ambulance were reported to be at the scene throughout the day.

The air ambulance was reported to have landed at St Budeaux Park.

Victoria Road was closed in both directions due to accident investigation work

A force spokesman appealed for witnesses to come forward.

They added: "Emergency services were called at around 9.45am today to a report of a collision involving a car and two pedestrians on Victoria Road, Plymouth.

"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.

"She remains in police custody at this time.

"The road currently remains closed and officers from the Roads Policing Team are carrying out investigations at the scene."