The police attend the scene of a serious accident in Grove Lane, Handsworth

Two girls who were hit by a car in a Handsworth horror crash yesterday afternoon have tragically died.

The pair, aged six and seven, were rushed to hospital following the crash in Grove Lane but, despite the best efforts of medical staff, they died shortly afterwards.

Emergency services were called to Grove Lane at around midday following reports of a car in collision with five pedestrians, including four children.

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

A 34-year-old local man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and is currently in custody helping police with their enquiries.

Sgt Steve Newbury, from the West Midlands Police 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.