A 25-year-old woman has died and two other family members have been seriously injured after a BMW sports car mounted the pavement and ploughed into pedestrians outside a popular leisure park in Crawley, West Sussex.

The horrific crash happened at around 8.40pm on Saturday night (April 12) on London Road, just outside the town’s leisure complex. Police confirmed that the woman’s 12-year-old sister and 19-year-old cousin were also struck by the vehicle and rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene. 

A 33-year-old man from Crawley has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. He remains in custody.

Sussex Police said all three victims were local to the area and that their family has been informed. Specially trained officers are currently providing support.

Chief Inspector James Davidson issued a statement on Sunday: “Our thoughts are with the victims’ family at this difficult time and we ask that the public respect their right to privacy.

"I’d like to reassure the community that we swiftly arrested a suspect in connection with this tragic incident, and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances."

The area surrounding the crash, a busy stretch of London Road near a bustling leisure centre, was closed off as police began their investigation. Detectives are appealing to any witnesses or anyone with relevant dash cam or CCTV footage to come forward.

A police spokesperson added: “This is a live investigation and we urge people not to speculate online. If you have any information, no matter how small, please get in touch.”

Anyone with details is asked to report it online or contact 101 quoting Operation Roberton.