A mum-to-be was mown down in what police believe was a deliberate hit and run.

Emma Waters, 20, suffered two broken legs and her partner, Alan Dugdale, 21, fractured his leg in the collision.

Doctors are assessing Ms Waters condition as she is understood to be 10 weeks pregnant. However, early indications are that the baby is safe.

Horrified residents contacted police after a grey Ford Escort mounted the pavement, struck the couple and careered into a wall at around 9.30am on Wednesday in Walker, Newcastle.

A male driver and woman passenger fled the scene shortly after the impact.

As inquiries continued into the circumstances which led to the crash, police revealed they had arrested a man and woman.

Det Insp Lee Buzzeo said: "We are investigating the possibility that this incident was as a result of a deliberate act.

"A young woman is in hospital and a man who was with her was also injured. We need to hear from anyone who saw what happened to contact police."

However locals who know the couple said they were shocked by the events in broad daylight in a busy residential area.

The car, with the registration number L880 TWR, was recovered at the scene and has been taken away for forensic examination.

A 23-year-old man and a woman, 22, were arrested at a house in Murton, County Durham, in connection with the inquiry.