TWO cyclists riding a tandem were killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Hanham yesterday afternoon.

Shortly before 4pm on Sunday, a police officer spotted a Citroen Picasso travelling along Lower Hanham Road at speed.

He indicated to the car to stop but the driver made off. The officer began to follow the vehicle but lost it almost immediately.

Very soon afterwards the car collided with another vehicle before knocking married couple Ross Matthews Simons, 34, and Clare Simons, 30, off their tandem.

They both died at the scene of the incident as a result of their injuries.

Avon and Somerset Police said the driver of the Citroen had abandoned the car and fled the scene.

A 38-year-old man handed himself in to police a few hours later and was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.

A 35-year-old woman has also been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Inspector Frazer Davey, from the Collision Investigation Team, said: "Following investigations overnight the circumstances of this collision have become much clearer.

"However I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or saw this car in the area shortly before the collision to come forward and contact us.

"This is a tragic incident in which two people have needlessly lost their lives. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families."

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk