A mum and grandfather were walking back to their hotel after a family meal when they were fatally struck by a car, an inquest has heard.

Noga Sella, 40, and Yoram Hirshfeld, 78, died after they and three other family members were hit by a black Alfa Romeo in Ramsgate.

Mrs Sella's daughter was seriously injured, while her husband and son suffered minor injuries in the crash just after 9.30pm on Wednesday, August 10.

The coroner's court at County Hall in Maidstone today heard that the family had been at dinner together in the hours leading up to the tragedy.

As they were walking back to their hotel, they were struck by a car in Leopold Street, just around the corner from a Travelodge.

The inquest heard that Mrs Sella sustained multiple serious injuries.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the mother-of-two from Cambridge sadly died at the scene.

Mr Hirshfeld, a retired maths professor at Tel Aviv University, had been on holiday from his native Israel visiting his daughter.

He sustained serious injuries to his spine and died on the way to hospital.

The inquest was opened and suspended to allow evidence to be gathered, pending ongoing police investigations into the crash.

Nitesh Bissendary, 30, of Highlands Glade, Manston, was arrested shortly after the incident and later charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He appeared via videolink at Canterbury Crown Court earlier this month, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A provisional trial date of November 28 has been set.

A 58-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Both have since been released on bail pending further inquiries until Friday, September 8.

Police are continuing their investigation into the crash, and have appealed to the public to help them identify a motorcyclist who was in the area at the time as they may have important information.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a black helmet, is believed to have turned into Leopold Street from the direction of Harbour Parade at the point of the collision before travelling towards Queen Street.

The vehicle is described as a cruiser-style bike with a full-length chrome exhaust.

Officers are also appealing for anyone to come forward who was in the area from 8.30pm and may have dashcam footage which could assist.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, one eyewitness told KentOnline there were three fire engines, five ambulances and "at least 15 police cars" around Leopold Street.

"There must have been about 50 emergency services people on scene that we could see," they said.

An area of Leopold Street was taped off for several hours, and a bench was removed from the scene.

A wall, opposite the entrance to the Royal Harbour multi-storey car park, was damaged and a road sign knocked to the floor.

Reacting to the tragedy the next day, Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Raushan Ara, who has a business in nearby Harbour Street, said her heart went out to the family.

"It's so sad," she said. "I was frightened last night because there were so many police cars and ambulances - and the fire engines were going up and down until 11pm."

Dozens attended a vigil at the scene of the tragedy that evening, and well-wishers left floral tributes.

One read: "We don't know your names, but we was with you all, and praying for you when medics tried to save you both last night. Our prayers are with you both and the rest of your family."

Bissendary has also been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision, drug-driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis, but has yet to enter a plea to the alleged offences.

Any other witnesses or local businesses with CCTV evidence are also encouraged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference DS/DGC/090/22.