Tandem couple killed in Bristol 'hit-and-run' crash 'were trying for children'

A picture left at the scene in Hanham, near Bristol, in tribute to Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed yesterday when their tandem bike was struck by a car (PA)

A Bristol couple killed after being knocked off their tandem bicycle in an alleged hit-and-run had been given the go-ahead to start IVF treatment shortly before the crash, it has emerged.

Ross Simons, 34, and his wife of 18 months, Clare, 30, died when they were struck by a Citroën Picasso in the Hanham area of Bristol yesterday afternoon. Friends said the pair had been “trying for children” and had just been told they could have fertility treatment. At the time of the collision they were riding a recently bought tandem and were on their way to a family gathering.

“Two young people with their lives in front of them, snapped away just like that,” said a family friend Diane Pullin. She added: “[They had] everything to live for, they were such a lovely family.”

Mrs Pullin said he daughter and son-in-law had been out for a meal with the couple the night before they died. “They desperately wanted children and it wasn’t happening. They’d just been given the go-ahead, they were so happy on Saturday night,” she said.

The Reverend Peter Cook, of Hanham Baptist Church said the incident had ripped the community to its heart. Rev Cook said he stopped a Sunday service and asked his congregation to pray for Mr and Mrs Simons.

Rev Cook said: “You don’t expect it to happening on a Sunday afternoon when you are out for a cycle. I think it was totally out of the ordinary and that’s why people are so shocked.”

Detectives today confirmed that the car involved was being followed by police officers at the time of the incident. The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Officers have arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a woman, 35, on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in custody tonight.