A 52-year-old pedestrian has died after she and her daughter were hit by a car that had reportedly mounted the pavement in Essex.

Officers were called to reports of a collision between a car and two pedestrians at the junction of Hamlet Court Road and St John’s Road in Westcliff just before 5.30pm on Thursday.

A 52-year-old woman and her 23-year-old daughter were taken to hospital, but the mother could not be saved despite the best efforts of medics, Essex Police said in a statement.

Her daughter’s injuries are described as not life-threatening or life-changing.

Councillor Maxine Sadza said in a social media post: “On behalf of the Milton councillors, it is with deep sadness that we have heard this morning that a speeding car mounted the pavement and hit a mother and child in St John’s Road in Westcliff last night.

“Tragically the mother passed away in hospital. Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”

Police said: “The 31-year-old driver of the car, a black Suzuki Splash, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

More on Essex

“She remains in custody for questioning.”

The woman’s family are being supported by specialist officers.

Police are appealing for members of the public to send them any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the collision.