Holiday couple killed in New York

The couple lived together in Yeovil

A Somerset couple on holiday in New York were killed when they were struck by a dustbin lorry.

Jacqueline Timmins, 47, and Andrew Hardie, 48, who lived together in Yeovil, died in the accident near Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

Police said the driver hit a pavement, killing the pair and injuring a pedestrian in the accident on Tuesday.

The driver has been charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, police in New York said.

Mr Hardie had moved to Yeovil from Plymouth, where he was born, about a year ago.

Ms Timmins leaves three sons and a 12-year-old daughter.

Her former mother-in-law, Betty Timmins, who also lives in Yeovil, described her as a dedicated mother.

Medical examiner

She said: "It's very upsetting, her youngest is only 12 years old.

"She was a lovely lady and greatly dedicated to her children. She loved them dearly."

New York police said the 52-year-old driver was operating the privately-owned truck on Tuesday when he suffered a seizure as a result of not taking medication. He was arrested on Wednesday.

He was admitted to hospital for injuries sustained during the crash, police said.

A 23-year-old man also injured in the crash was in a serious condition in hospital, New York City Police said.

A spokeswoman for New York's chief medical examiner said it was not known when the bodies would be flown back to the UK.

Police spokesman Paul Browne said another man, who was in the lorry's cab at the time of the accident, became alarmed when the driver behaved erratically and began foaming at the mouth.

He tried to take control of the vehicle, but was unable to prevent it from leaving the street, Mr Browne said.