Sixteen-year-old Stacey Burrows and seventeen-year-old Lucy Pygott were struck on a pedestrian crossing during a warm-up run at the start of a training session.

The pair were members of the Aldershot, Farnham and District (AFD) Athletic Club and were due to be competing in Spain next weekend.

Pygott represented Great Britain in July at the European Athletics Youth Championships in Tblisi in Georgia, where she won a bronze medal in the under-18's 3,000 metres race.

"UK Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two members of the AFD," a statement from UK Athletics said.

Niels de Vos, chief executive officer of UK Athletics, also spoke on behalf of the governing body.

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of those affected at this difficult time," he said.

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

Team-mates of the duo arrived at the accident scene earlier today to leave flowers.

"They were very committed and motivated athletes, it’s so tragic what has happened," said team-mate Hannah Jacobs to the Press Association. 

"They were always here, every single session, we would always see them around."

Another team-mate, Alanna Goddard, added: "They were very good runners, very enthusiastic, not a bad bone in their body, just lovely, lovely girls, both of them.”"

An unnamed 24-year-old serving soldier was arrested on suspicion of two offences of causing death by dangerous driving, two offences of death by careless driving through drink or drugs and the offence of drink-driving.

Last night he remained in custody for questioning.

"South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to this incident at approximately 7.10pm yesterday," said a spokesman.

"Ambulance crews in two ambulances and two response cars attended the scene along with the air ambulance service.

"Our crews treated two teenage girls at the scene. 

"Sadly both died at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this sad time."