A brother and sister who were killed by a car as they crossed the road in Essex have been named as a brother and sister.
Roman Keeling, 16, and sister Darcie, 9, died at the scene of the collision in a junction in Pitsea.
Two people have been arrested for dangerous driving after the children were hit while reportedly riding on an electric scooter together.
Piles of flowers have now been paid at the roadside where the children were hit, the junction between Ashlyns and the residential street Walthams.
The siblings’ mum, Emma Keeling, described the two as her ‘beautiful babies’, writing on Facebook: ‘My two beautiful babies Roman and Darcie sadly lost their lives last night in this awful accident.
‘I wish to thank everyone who has offered their support and to the paramedics, air ambulance crew and members of the public who tried in vain to save them.’
One card left at the scene by a member of staff at a local school read: ‘I’m so sorry that you have both been taken away, far too young.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who had the joy to know you both, especially your family.’
Another read: ‘You were both taken too soon. You will never be forgotten.’
Essex Police said: ‘The car failed to stop at the scene. Emergency services attended the scene but, sadly, despite their efforts both children have died.’
‘A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. They are in custody.’
The car in the accident was found later abandoned in a nearby street before the arrest of two suspects.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: ‘My thoughts are with the friends and family of the girl and boy who have died this evening.
‘Specialist officers are supporting them at this truly unimaginably difficult time.
‘Our officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area this evening to establish the circumstances which led up to the collision so if you saw anything or have any information please get in contact.’
More than £20,000 has been raised to help ‘honour’ the memories of the two siblings on GoFundMe and pay for their funerals.
