A 47-YEAR-old man has been questioned by detectives investigating the death of a mother-of-two who was mown down and killed during a high speed sand yachting race.

The man from Doncaster, South Yorks, was released without charge pending further police inquiries into the tragedy in which Mrs Carole Cruz died from multiple injuries, which included the severing of her legs.

She died on August 17 this year while on a family day trip to Lytham St Annes from her home town of Burnley, where she was studying to become a full-time teacher.

She was walking along the wide beach near the pier with her two sons, aged 12 and 14, when she was hit by a yacht competing in a national championship race organised by the town's Fylde International Sand Yacht Club.

A ban on all racing has been imposed by the local council, which is awaiting a police report on the incident.

Sand yachts which are piloted by one person can reach speeds of more than 70 miles per hour. Conditions on the day were perfect for high-speed sailing with firm sand and onshore wind. The yachts do not have a braking system.

Detective Inspector Tony Harling, of Lancashire Police, said yesterday: "A 47-year-old man has been questioned at Blackpool police station. He was the pilot of the yacht involved.

"He has not been arrested and was allowed to leave pending further police inquiries into the incident.

"Eventually, a file will be passed by us to the Crown Prosecution Service."

One problem facing the police is what charge they can bring if they so wish. Sand yachts are not covered by the Road Traffic Act or Maritime Law.

The Fylde International Sand Yacht Club is a world renowned base for the sport which is carried on under licence from the local authority.

One condition of the licence is that the club and competitors carry third party insurance.

The man's sand yacht was impounded by the police following the incident.