TRIBUTES have been left at the scene of a tragedy where two men suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car in Billinge.

Three pedestrians were struck by a Ford Kuga as they attempted to cross Upholland Road in Billinge shortly before 8.15pm on Friday, December 21.

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Two men – one who is believed to be in his 80s and the other in his 70s – and a woman believed to be in her 70s were taken to hospital.

The men died a short time later.

The woman's injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and there have been no arrests.

The crash happened on the road near to the Hare and Hounds pub, Billinge, Wigan, a short distance from the border with St Helens.

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On Monday morning a collection of floral tributes had been left at the roadside, with poignant messages.

Among those to leave a note was an Arriva bus driver who stopped at the scene.

There are also messages from heartbroken families, including grandchildren.

Residents are also stunned by the pre-Christmas tragedy.

A mum-of-two who lives over the road from where the incident took place said: "It's really sad that this happened so close to Christmas as well. 

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"I was in the backroom and didn't hear anything but when I came through loads of cars where there so I knew something had happened.

"Cars are always flying up and down this road, I had trouble myself my little one was younger and I had him on a sling on my chest and trying to cross this road I fell. We both could have been hurt.

"The families came up yesterday, I could see them over the road. It's just so sad."

Another resident said: "I didn't see it happen but I saw up to four police cars just blocking off the road. 

"Cars are always rushing up and down here, it's really sad that this happens when people are just crossing the road."

The deaths, less than a week before Christmas, have led to shock among the Billinge community and across social media.

On the Star's Facebook page Julie Hartley wrote: "Thoughts and prayers with their family and friends at this sad time."

Janice Lyon added: "What sad news so near Christmas. My thoughts and prayers to the family – RIP."

Freda Mitchell added: "Heartbreaking. So sad."

An investigation has been launched by the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further enquiries have established that the pedestrians were crossing Upholland Road, close to the junction with Longshaw Old Road, at the time of the collision.

Police Sergeant Darren Hancock, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “First and foremost, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the men who died following the collision on Upholland Road last night.

“We are working to provide their loved ones with support from specially trained officers as they come to terms with their loss.

“Local residents may notice an increased police presence in the area as we conduct further enquiries and we are appealing to anyone with information or dashcam footage that can assist us to please get in touch.”

Anybody with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 2764 of 20/12/19, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.