Two killed when car hits pedestrians in Sandbanks

Two people died after a car hit a group of pedestrians in one of the UK's most exclusive postcodes, police said today.

The collision occurred last night on Banks Road, in the Sandbanks area of Poole, Dorset.

A 33-year-old local man was arrested after the incident on suspicion of driving offences.

Police said a silver Mercedes hit three pedestrians on Banks Road at around 10.35pm.

A 53-year-old man and 51-year-old woman, both from Poole, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dorset Police said next of kin have been informed.

A third person, a woman from London, was taken to hospital suffering from injuries. She has since been discharged.

Sandbanks is noted as one of the priciest property places in the UK, being dubbed "Britain's Palm Beach".

Inspector Ernie Henley, of Dorset Police, said: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident on Banks Road in Sandbanks to contact Dorset Police urgently.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a silver Mercedes being driven in the Sandbanks area shortly before 10.35pm on Saturday September 11 2010."