A HAMPSHIRE community is in shock today after two teenage girls aged 14 and 16 were hit by a car and killed.

Detectives launched a murder investigation after the two best friends, Jasmine Allsop and Olivia Lewry, were in collision with a car in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.

He is believed to be known to the girls.

It is understood that the pair had been to a party and were heading back home when the collision happened outside 14- year-old Jasmine’s house in Ann Hill’s Road in Gosport.

Yesterday devastated neighbours and loved ones were laying flowers at the scene and spoke of their shock.

A message on one bunch said: “In love and memory of Olivia and Jaz. Thinking of you. Lots of love Regan, Taylor, Kayleigh and Tom.”

Jasmine’s older brother Reece was comforted by friends who had gathered at the scene, but was too distressed to talk.

Daily Echo:

Painter and decorator Damien Bannon, 19, said: “I’ve known Jaz and Olivia for several years – they were the best of friends and always so cheerful and easy to get along with.

“They were knocked down outside Jaz’s home. I spoke to her brother this morning and he is distraught, and angry.

“He was very fond and protective of his little sister.

“I believe the girls had been to a party and were standing outside the house talking when the car hit them.

“I still can’t believe it. It’s such a tragedy.”

School friends, who gathered at the scene but asked not to be named, described the girls as “bubbly, outgoing and extremely popular”.

One said: “They loved being the centre of attention and were very sociable.

They were always listening to chart music or dubstep.”

Demolition worker Arron O’Sullivan, 28, said: “This is such a tragic waste of young lives, especially so close to Christmas.

“Their families must be heartbroken. It really is not the sort of news you want to wake up to on a Sunday morning.

“I’m still shaking because of the shock.”

Friends and family of the girls have also taken to social networks to pay tribute to the popular teenagers.

Chelsea-lee Evans wrote: “I can’t imagine how hard it is for all of your family and friends. I love you both and R.I.P my angels.”

Tara Hebberd wrote: “2 beautiful girls have lost their lives. R.I.P Jas and Olivia sleep tight.”

Officers attended the incident in Gosport following reports a green Honda Civic had collided with two pedestrians.

Jasmine, 14, died at the scene and Olivia, 16, was taken to nearby Queen Alexandra Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The road was sealed off for most of the day with police tape while officers carried out further investigations.

Scenes of crime officers in white overalls were also at the scene.

Police appeal Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson, from Hampshire Constabulary, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in the death of two young girls.

“I currently have a team of detectives and other officers, including expert road collision investigators, working on this case to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two teenage girls.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows anything which could help this investigation to contact my team as soon as possible by calling 101.