A 38-year-old woman walking along a beach with her two sons has died after being hit by a sand yacht.

The woman's back was broken when she was struck by the yacht on Saturday.

It is understood Carol Cruz, from Burnley, was on a family day out.

A major sand yachting competition was taking place when the accident occurred at St Anne's.

There was a race going on at the time, but we're not absolutely sure as to the nature of that race

Det Supt Paul Buscini

Paramedics were called to the scene just north of the pier at St Anne's at 1400 BST.

Mrs Cruz had suffered serious injuries to her legs and back.

Her sons, aged 12 and 14, were not injured.

Detective Superintendent Paul Buscini, of Lancashire Police, said: "There was a race going on at the time, but we're not absolutely sure as to the nature of that race."

He said officers would be investigating what arrangements had been made with regard to safety but the beach had not been closed for the race.

The man involved in the accident is thought to have been a competitor.

Popular venue

Mr Buscini said no-one had been arrested.

The beach at St Anne's is a leading venue for the sport of sand yachting.

Fylde International Sand Yacht Club has been based there since its formation in the 1950s but there is no suggestion one of its members was involved.

Paula Leah from the club said everyone was "very distressed" to hear of the accident.

Sand yachts are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 70mph.