POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a four-year-old girl was hit by a car.

The little girl, who was left with a bloodied nose and scratches on her back, has described how she thinks she was knocked down by a silver car driven by a woman.

The incident happened just after 5pm yesterday afternoon when the girl was in a car park in Seymour Street, Horden, County Durham.

The girl returned to her nearby home and told her parents what had happened, and they immediately contacted police and an ambulance also rushed to the scene.

Inspector Malcolm Smart, of Durham Constabulary, said: "It is believed - although we have got no witnesses other than the little girl - that she has been knocked down.

"It is believed she has been knocked over by a reversing silver car in the car park area.

"It is possible that the individual driving the car may not have been aware that it happened.

"She has got a bloodied nose, which may be broken, and she has got some scratches to her back which is consistent to maybe hitting the ground in the car park area."

Paramedics took the girl to Sunderland Royal Hospital for a check-up.

Insp Smart added: "We would like anyone who saw the accident, or even the driver, to please come forward as soon as possible so we can carry out our inquiries."

Witnesses should call 0845-6060365.