British woman 'possibly under the influence of drink or drugs' was driving car ... trends now

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The female driver who mowed down a group of pedestrians and killed a five-month-old baby in Lanzarote is a British national thought to have been under the influence of drink and drugs, officials said today.

Police have yet to confirm local reports describing the victims, who include two women rushed from the scene seriously injured, as UK holidaymakers.

But Yaiza Town Hall, whose police force is investigating yesterday evening's tragedy in the tourist resort of Playa Blanca, said overnight the driver of the car that mounted the pavement and smashed into them is a 23-year-old British woman who lives on the island.

Town hall officials said in a statement: 'The victims of the accident with multiple casualties are a baby that has died and six people who suffered injuries of varying degrees.'

They added: 'The person who caused the accident is a 23-year-old woman of British origin who lives in Playa Blanca.

'She is under investigation because at the scene she showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.'

'The investigation, which is being led by Yaiza local police, remains open. Yaiza Town Hall extends its solidarity to the victims and their families.'

The unnamed driver is said to have claimed after the incident, which happened just before 6.30pm local time on a bend in a main road near the Aqualava water park and four-star HL hotel, she had experienced a problem with her steering.

Witnesses told police they thought she had been going too fast, although there was no mention of drink and drugs being a possible factor until town hall officials revealed her nationality and the new details in the ongoing investigation.