Two woman killed as car ploughs into several pedestrians outside Manchester hospital

89-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving

Two woman have died in hospital after a car ploughed into several pedestrians outside of a hospital in Manchester.

A third woman is still in a serious condition in hospital.

Greater Manchester Police said they were called to a "serious collision" outside of Withington Hospital after 2pm.

An 89-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and remains in policy custody.

Witness describes seeing 'police everywhere' (@ijsmiller/Twitter)

A police spokesman said the next of kins of both women, aged 44 and 49, had been informed but a formal identification had yet to take place.

Police initially said a man and a woman were taken to hospital but said they were later informed they were both women.

North West Ambulance Service said an ambulance was called to the hospital around 2.05pm.

Senior Investigating Officer Sergeant Lee Westhead, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit for GMP, said: "My thoughts go out to the families of the two women.

"Our specially trained officers are going to be supporting them through this devastating time.

"An investigation has commenced to establish the exact circumstances and we are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the vehicle beforehand to come forward."

Witnesses told the Manchester Evening News the car, reportedly a Ford Focus, also smashed into barriers and lamp posts in the hospital's car park.

"Two people were on the ground receiving CPR," the witness said.

"There were at least 20 police cars and lots of ambulances."

Silas Nicholls, chief executive of University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Withington Community Hospital, said: "We are extremely saddened by today's events and our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragic news.

"We are currently assisting Greater Manchester Police with their investigation and we are also supporting staff and patients."

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.

Additional reporting by PA