Bristol: 2 dead as car 'fails to stop' and crashes into canal near Temple Meads

The bodies of two people have been recovered after a car failed to stop and crashed into a canal near Temple Meads station in Bristol. The incident took place at around 6pm this evening (Sunday 24 January). A major rescue operation was set in place but two bodies were recovered from the water. Police do not believe anyone else was in the vehicle at the time.

Eye-witnesses said the car failed to stop and smashed through a barrier before plunging into the Feeder Canal where it reportedly sank like a stone. Emergency crews have not yet retrieved the vehicle. The two deceased have not yet been named.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "The bodies of two people have been located following the road traffic incident off Feeder Road. The incident took place when a car, driving from the direction of Short Street, failed to stop on Feeder Road and drove into the canal. At this time, the vehicle has yet to be recovered, but we do not believe anyone else was inside the car at the time of the incident."

Several roads are closed in the vicinity of the incident according to the police website. "We have put in place several road closures in the local area including Short Street and Albert Crescent at the roundabout with Albert Road, Marsh Lane, Avon Street and Feeder Road. These road closures are likely to remain in place for some time to allow investigators at the scene to continue their work. We would ask all motorists to avoid this area at the present time.

"Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the vehicle beforehand, is asked to contact us now. Also, any business owners in the local area who have CCTV on the exterior of their premises are also asked to call 101 now and quote log number 741."