TWO people have been arrested after two children died following a collision in Pitsea last night (Saturday, 1 February).

A statement from Essex Police says: "We received a call at 6.25pm on Saturday, 1 February reporting a girl and a boy had been involved in a collision with a car in Ashlyns.

"The car failed to stop at the scene.

"Emergency services attended the scene but, sadly, despite their efforts both children have died.

"A man and a woman have since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

"They are currently in custody."

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: "My thoughts are with the friends and family of the girl and boy who have died this evening.

"Specialist officers are supporting them at this truly unimaginably difficult time.

"Our officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area this evening to establish the circumstances which led up to the collision so if you saw anything or have any information please get in contact."

"If you saw anything, have any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage, or have any information please get in contact with us.

"Please quote incident 931 of 1 February.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on X, formerly Twitter, at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."