Mum Questioned Over Death Of Twin

A MOTHER who gave birth to miracle twins at the age of 56 has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences after her two-year-old daughter was killed in a head-on crash.

Little Eloise Mann died when the Fiat Doblo being driven by her mother, Ann Mann, collided with a Citroen Dispatch van on the A27 Pevensey bypass in East Sussex, on Monday, February 22.

Mrs Mann, 58, from St Leonard's-on-Sea and Eloise's twin brother, Finlay, escaped with minor injuries.

Following the tragedy, devastated Mrs Mann released a moving statement about her joy when her long struggle for children was finally rewarded so late in life with her precious twins.

After losing her daughter, she now faces an investigation and possible prosecution for causing death by dangerous driving, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "The woman, from St Leonards, attended the police station for interview to help police with their investigation and has been bailed for eight weeks pending further enquiries."

In her statement following the crash, Mrs Mann told how she and her husband, company director Stephen, also 58, had almost given up hope of ever having children when she fell pregnant.

She said: "Motherhood is something I have wanted for so long. It's the most incredible emotional experience.

"I used to look at Eloise when she was born and wonder how she could be so beautiful. It was a 'miracle' for me when I fell pregnant against all the odds. It was something that nobody thought would happen, which made it all the more amazing.

"She taught me so much in her little life about the mother and daughter bond, we had an incredibly special relationship."

In a second statement Mr and Mrs Mann released jointly, they said: "Eloise had a wonderful personality and was never unhappy. She had a mischievous sense of humour and was very, very bright. Everybody loved her and she gave us so much in the short time she was with us.

"Finlay has lost his beloved twin and playmate. They did everything together and adored each other. Only a couple of weeks ago they were in the bathroom together, dancing to Status Quo which was playing on the radio. Watching then together made us cry at the time because they were so happy.

"People used to stop the buggy when we were out shopping with the twins. A trip that should take five minutes would take half an hour because everyone wanted to see them and talk to them. We used to laugh and say we could never get anything frozen as it would have melted by the time we got home. They had an amazing effect on everyone they met.

"Eloise loved sausages and cup cakes and anything pink. She had a hot water bottle cover in the shape of Piglet from Winnie the Pooh which she took everywhere with her. She looked beautiful in any hat and had a smile that could melt your heart.

"We have lost a beautiful daughter and things will never be the same again for us a family."

Both children were securely strapped into car seats when the accident happened.

The 47-year-old driver of the second vehicle also escaped with minor injuries.