Families of Ross and Clare Simons "devastated" by their death in Hanham crash

THE families of Ross and Clare Simons said tonight that they had been left "completely devastated" by the couple's death in a hit-and-run incident.

A short statement from relatives was released through Avon and Somerset Police at 8pm today, along with a photograph of the couple taken on their wedding day.

In their statement, the relatives said: "Both of our families are completely devastated by the tragic events that took Ross and Clare from us.

"A very special couple have been taken from us and we have no words to describe our loss.

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"We would all appreciate it if our privacy was respected at this difficult time, in order for us to grieve as a family."

Earlier in the evening about 100 friends and relatives of the couple, who lived in Fishponds, walked to the scene of the incident that claimed their lives to pay their respects.

Mr Simons, aged 34, and his 30-year-old wife were killed when they were thrown from their tandem bicycle on Lower Hanham Road, Hanham, at about 4pm on Sunday.

Police say the couple were hit by a Citroen Picasso car, which had been seen travelling at speed beforehand. Police had tried to stop the vehicle but it made off before colliding with another car and then hitting the couple.

The driver of the Picasso left the vehicle and fled on foot.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after handing himself in to police on Sunday night.

A 35-year-old woman was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Police have appealed for any witnesses who have yet to come forward to contact them on 101.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is also set to investigate because of police involvement in the events leading up to the fatal crash.