A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy suffered critical head injuries after being hit by a car in Blyth, Northumberland, this  afternoon (Wednesday, November 18).

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) was called to Cowpen Road - outside Horton Grange Primary School - following the collision involving A Suzuki Vitara 4x4 at 3.40pm.

A spokesman said that the injuries were so severe, that the boy was induced into a coma at the scene by the GNAAS doctor-led trauma team. 

He was also treated by the specialist paramedics and rapid response crew of the North East Ambulance Service.

After the boy's condition was stabilised, he was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, in six minutes.

Tonight Northumbria Police said he was in a serious but stable condition.

The collision happened outside the school by the Asda roundabout and diversions were put in place while police closed off a section of Cowpen Road.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call motor patrols on 101 ext 69191 quoting ref number 700 18/11/15.