Tributes paid to two female teenage runners who have died after being hit by a car

Two teenage Aldershot, Farnham and District athletes have died after being hit by a car in Aldershot on Tuesday evening.

Police said the athletes, who have not yet been formally named, were out running when they were involved in a collision with a black Ford Focus on Queens Avenue shortly after 7:10pm.

This week's AW cover star Steph Twell, who formed part of the successful AFD squad at last weekend’s Saucony English Cross Country Relay Championships in Mansfield, was among those to pay tribute to the young athletes.

"Start each day with a grateful heart ?❤️? ," Twell wrote on Twitter. "Saddened by such tragic news at AFD last night. My love goes out to the girls families & community."

Jess Martin, who won the British 10,000m title earlier this year under her maiden name of Andrews, wrote: "Absolutely devastating to wake up to this! Thinking of the family, friends and all at AFD. Rest In Peace beautiful girls ✨?"

Their fellow Rio Olympian Eilish McColgan wrote: "Awful news coming from Aldershot this morning. Thoughts go out to family, friends and fellow team mates at AFD. ❤"

UK Athletics also released a statement and Niels de Vos, CEO of the national governing body, said: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of those affected at this difficult time.

"All at UK Athletics send our deepest sympathies, this is a tragedy which will be felt across the athletics community."

Police said a 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and specialist officers are providing support to the teenagers’ families.