A boy of four was seriously hurt when he was knocked down in Washington on Sunday.

It happened just after 6pm in Hogarth Drive, Columbia, 20 metres south of the junction with Freesia Grange.

The boy ran into the road between parked cars and was struck by a Nissan Micra, which was travelling north at a slow speed.

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital with a fractured skull, broken leg and other injuries described as serious but not life threatening.

Any witnesses are asked to contact motor patrols officers at Farringdon police station on 0191-4547555 ext 66226.