THE couple killed in a hit and run on a seafront road have been named by police.

Richard Lewis-Clements was behind the wheel of a VW Polo when it was involved in a crash with a Seat Leon car.

The 41-year-old and his front seat passenger Maria Smith, 48, were fataly injurted.

Police believe when the Volkswagen Polo was hit by Seat Leon it in turn crashed into two parked cars - a BMW and Audi A3.

The incident happened on Friday evening at the junction of Bolsover Road and King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne at 9.34pm.

Police said Mr Lewis-Clements of Gordon Road, Buxted, Uckfield, and Ms Smith, 48 of Edmund Close, Eastbourne died at the scene.

No one else was injured.

The driver of the Seat Leon fled the scene of the accident and police officers conducted a search of the area and arrested a man in Grand Parade, Eastbourne, two and a half hours later.

Jodan Hunt, 23, of Hobart Quay, Eastbourne, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Monday via video link charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.

He entered no plea during the short hearing.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 1 September.

Dan Pitcher, of the East Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: "This has been a fast moving investigation into a tragic hit and run collision. Trained officers are working with the families of the deceased, offering support and guidance.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has assisted police with enquiries, however I am still very keen to hear from anyone who may have information concerning the collision, or who saw the Seat Leon prior to the collision."

Witnesses or those with information should contact Sussex Police via email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Harfield.