Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Two brothers died in the crash at about 14:00 GMT

Two brothers aged six and two have died after a suspected hit-and-run crash in Coventry.

They were struck by a car on MacDonald Road, Stoke, at about 14:00 GMT and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A 53-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

A black Ford Focus was found abandoned a short time after the crash.

Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit, said the force was "trying to establish how this tragic incident has happened".

"This is a parent's worst nightmare and it's impossible to imagine their grief, but specialist officers will be supporting them as our investigation continues," Det Sgt Hughes said.

Image caption A black Ford Focus was found abandoned a short time after the crash, police said

The two-year-old boy was the first to be pronounced dead in a police statement at 16:19.

A police statement at 18:45 then said: "Despite the best efforts of hospital staff, the six-year-old brother involved in the collision has also sadly died. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the family of the two boys."

Police officers have been speaking to witnesses at the scene and the road remains closed.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said the two-year-old boy was taken to University Hospital Coventry and the six-year-old was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

WMAS sent four ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care car from the air ambulance service.

The air ambulance crew accompanied the six-year-old as he was taken to the children's hospital to administer specialist treatment.

One witness told the BBC he saw passers-by giving CPR to the children before paramedics took over.

Image caption Investigations are continuing at the scene

A local resident, who preferred not to give her name, said the aftermath of the crash included a "smashed" pushchair in the road alongside a child's scooter.

She said: "The police had taped the road off and there was debris all over the road."