The driver suspected of murdering two teenage girls by mowing them down in his car was in a relationship with one of the victims, it emerged yesterday. The revelation came as the mother of Jasmine Allsop paid tribute to her 14-year-old daughter, who died alongside best friend Olivia Lewry, 16, in the early hours of yesterday morning in Gosport, Hampshire.
Rose Allsop ran out of the house and held her daughter in her arms for hours after the crash, calling her 'my angel' as she kissed Jasmine goodbye. Friends of the girls say that the 20-year-old suspected of killing them went to a nearby petrol station to get help and then passed out, shortly before being arrested by police.
The man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before officers launched a murder inquiry, remains in police custody. One friend who did not want to be named said, 'I heard Olivia was going out with the guy who has been arrested.'
The girls were apparently hit by a green Honda Civic around 20 yards from Jasmine's terraced house as they walked home at about 4.15am. Jasmine – known as Jas – died at the scene, while Olivia was taken to hospital with severe injuries but died later yesterday.
Ms Allsop, 37, said today that she had been enjoying a 'girly night' watching horror films with the teenagers before their death and was woken in the middle of the night by emergency services. 'It was just all a blur,' she said.
'I cannot remember what happened. I had gone to bed. I didn't see anything. I just thought they were playing CDs and talking about boys and make-up. 'I went out and then a neighbour covered me in a blanket. I kissed her – it was four hours before they took her body away because I did not want to let her go.
'I told her she was my angel and I'd loved her since the day she was born. I can remember her big blue eyes staring.' She added: 'I'm empty inside and lost. I keep expecting her to come through the door. 'We had a girls' night in.
Jasmine was straightening my hair and plucking my eyebrows and Olivia was here. Jasmine was a gorgeous, lovely, bubbly character – they were best friends.' Jasmine's father Kevin MacLaughlan, 58, also paid tribute to his daughter, saying: 'She was beautiful. The most beautiful, bubbly natured girl – outgoing and affectionate, very caring and bubbly.' The 14-year-old was studying at Brune Park Community School, where Olivia used to be a pupil.
Head teacher Richard Kelly said: 'They were both independent, strong-minded individuals who lived their lives to the full with confidence and a sense of humour and a sense of fun. 'We will miss them both immensely and the unique talents which they displayed. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this dreadful time.'
Di Lloyd, principal of St Vincent College where the older girl was studying at the time of her death, said: 'We're sending our sincere condolences to Olivia's family. 'We're very shocked and saddened.
At the moment everyone is coming to terms with it and preparing to support the students who are coming in today.' Friends have paid tribute to the popular schoolgirls, but Hampshire Constabulary was forced to delete hundreds of Facebook posts amidst fears they could jeopardise the police investigation. Officers wrote: 'Please DO NOT post comments which could have a detrimental effect on this investigation or that speculate on the circumstances.
'Remember there are grieving families who have just lost loved ones.' Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson, from Hampshire Constabulary, said today: 'I would like to thank members of the public for their substantial co-operation and assistance with our investigation so far. 'A dedicated team of officers and staff from a range of departments are working closely together to analyse leads from witnesses and forensics. 'The green Honda Civic is the subject of further examinations to ensure all potential evidence has been gathered and preserved.'