A CAR hit three girls after it careered onto a pavement – leaving one with serious head injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at around 3.45pm on Monday on Skelton Street, Hartlepool.

A blue Ford Focus mounted the curb and hit the youngsters.

An 11-year-old girl was taken by air ambulance to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with serious head injuries.

A 12-year-old girl was taken to North Tees Hospital with a suspected broken leg while a second 12-year-old escaped with minor injuries.

Early enquiries suggest that the driver lost control and mounted the curb. A 46-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and is in police custody.

At the scene, part of a garden wall had been demolished and a street lamp bent over.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.