Two girls die after car hits family crossing Birmingham road Published duration 22 June 2015

media caption A family of five were struck by the car in Handsworth

Two sisters have died after a car hit them, their mother and two siblings, leaving the three other family members with serious injuries.

They were struck while crossing a road in Handsworth, Birmingham, on Sunday.

The sisters have been named locally as Lily and Shelley Wu, aged seven and six.

Meanwhile, the girls' mother, 39, is in a "critical condition" in hospital. Her son, 13, and another daughter, 12, are being treated for serious injuries.

A 34-year-old local man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been released on bail.

image copyright PAv Dhande image caption The road was sealed off following the accident

'Recent crashes'

Abdul Gacogota, the family's next-door neighbour, said the sisters went to his house sometimes to play.

"They were brilliant kids," he said.

"I can't believe it."

Dharam Mahay, who lives nearby, said the scene after the crash was very frightening.

"I came and I see the people lying on the floor and there was probably 20 to 30 police officers," he said.

image caption Police have appealed for witnesses

Birmingham City Council member Gurdial Singh Atwal, who has lived in Handsworth for nearly 50 years, said Grove Lane has been the scene of several accidents in recent years, including a fatal crash.

"I know every inch of Grove Lane and there have been problems here with traffic," he said.

"The roads seem very narrow these days with cars parked on one side, which can create problems for road users and pedestrians.

"Some people want more police to monitor the area, some people say they want speed cameras, others are concerned about drivers speeding.

"We will wait to see the results of the police investigation now."

image caption Children have been laying floral tributes at the scene of the crash in Grove Lane

'On way to park'

City councillor Waseem Zaffar said he would be calling for a meeting with council transport bosses to discuss how the road could be made safer.

"Everyone is in total shock," he said.

"It was a lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon and the family were apparently on their way to the park, which is just a few minutes away."

Sgt Steve Newbury said officers were continuing to investigate and liaise with the family of those involved.

"I am appealing for witnesses to come forward," he said.

"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."