Two teenage girls who died after being hit by car in Gosport are named as Jasmine Allsop and Olivia Lewry

Police appeal for witnesses after 'extremely tragic incident' when the girls, aged 14 and 16, were on their way home from a party

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage girls died in the early hours of this morning after being hit by a car (Getty)

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage girls died in the early hours of Sunday morning when they were hit by a car.

Jasmine Allsop, 14, died at the scene, while 16-year-old Olivia Lewry was rushed to hospital, but later died from her injuries, police said.

The incident happened at 4.15am in Gosport, Hampshire. The pair were crossing the road close to one of the girl’s houses on Ann Hill's Road when they were hit by a green Honda Civic.

They were reportedly on the way home from a party when the incident occurred.

The man was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but detectives have since launched a murder inquiry and are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in the death of two young girls.

“I currently have a team of detectives and other officers, including expert road collision investigators, working on this case to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two teenage girls.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows anything which could help this investigation to contact my team as soon as possible.”

Flowers have been left at the scene, as family and friends paid tribute to the pair.

Damien Bannon, 19, a painter and decorator who knew the girls, told the Telegraph: “They were knocked down outside Jaz's home. I spoke to her brother this morning and he is distraught and angry. He was very fond and protective of his little sister.

“I believe the girls had been to a party and were standing outside the house talking when the car hit them. The driver was a friend of theirs.

“My mum woke me to tell me the news. I still can't believe it. It's such a tragedy.”